Kochi: Kerala Blasters, who are gearing up for the Indian Super League (ISL) Season 11 with a revamped squad and a new coach at the helm, will train in Thailand with possible friendly matches with top-flight clubs there.
The two-week-long pre-season camp in Thailand will begin in the first week of July, revealed sources close to the franchise.
Although Swedish manager Mikael Stahre has been appointed as the head coach, the club has not officially announced the signing of new players for the upcoming season.
Getting ready for Durand Cup
Thailand, which is home to some of the oldest football clubs in the world, also has excellent training facilities. Apart from playing friendlies with elite clubs in the premier Thai League and first division teams, the management is also in talks with Thai authorities to arrange practice matches with age-group teams in the country.
The Kochi-based club is eager to do well in the prestigious Durand Cup, which is poised to serve as an ideal prelude to the much-anticipated 11th season of the ISL.
New-look side
Kerala Blasters have announced the departure of six players from the previous season, that include Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos, Croatian centre-back Marko Leskovic, Japanese winger Daisuke Sakai, and Lithuanian striker Fedor Cernych.
According to sources, Moroccan winger Noah Sadaoui, one of the standout performers for FC Goa in Season 10, Aizawl FC's goalkeeper Nora Fernandes, and winger Lalthanmawia are all set to don the yellow jersey in the new season.