Kerala Blasters FC to Part Ways with Coach David Catala Amid Poor Performance

Kerala Blasters FC is preparing to part ways with head coach David Catala after a disappointing start to the ISL 2025-26 season. Following a recent loss to Punjab FC, the club aims to finalize Catala's exit and search for a new coach during the international break. With the team struggling near the bottom of the table and only one goal scored this season, the management hopes to regroup and improve performance in upcoming matches. This marks the third coaching change for the club in two seasons, highlighting ongoing challenges since the departure of former coach Ivan Vukomanovic.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 22, 2026, 18:45 IST

Coaching Change at Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC is poised to terminate the contract of head coach David Catala following a disappointing start to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season. This decision comes on the heels of a 1-3 loss to Punjab FC during Match 40 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on March 21 (Saturday). With the international break approaching, the club is eager to secure a new coach.

The management's choice to end Catala's tenure is a response to a series of unsatisfactory results that have left the team languishing near the bottom of the league table. The formalities of the contract termination are expected to be completed soon.

Catala, who took charge in March 2025, started his journey in India with a victory over East Bengal FC in the Super Cup. However, the Blasters were unable to advance past the group stage, leading to his return to Spain amidst uncertainty regarding the ISL schedule.

Since the season commenced, Kerala Blasters have struggled significantly, beginning with a 0-2 defeat against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and failing to secure a win in their first six matches. Their only point came from a 1-1 draw against East Bengal, placing them second from the bottom in the standings. With just one goal scored thus far, they sit just above Mohammedan Sporting Club.

Catala's departure marks the third coaching change for the club in two seasons, following the exits of Mikael Stahre during the 2024 season and T. G. Purushothaman along with assistant coach Tomasz Tchórz at the conclusion of the last campaign.

The club has faced challenges in maintaining stability since Ivan Vukomanovic's departure, who previously led Kerala Blasters to two playoff appearances and an ISL final.

Kerala Blasters are anticipated to announce Catala's exit soon and will begin the search for a new head coach to guide the team for the remainder of the season. This decision allows the club to regroup during the upcoming international break.

The team is scheduled to compete against Sporting Delhi in Match 47 at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, aiming to avoid relegation.