All posts tagged: Catala

“I thrive on pressure, ” Kerala Blasters’ new head coach David Catala

“I thrive on pressure, ” Kerala Blasters’ new head coach David Catala

Published by Webster

Kerala Blasters’ newly appointed head coach, David Catala, made a confident first impression at his introductory press conference on Thursday. The Spanish tactician, known for his modern footballing approach, spoke about his ambitions for the club, the challenges ahead, and the expectations from both players and fans. Club CEO Abhik Chatterjee and Sporting Director Karolis Skynkis were also present at the event. Impact of pressure One of the standout moments of the press conference was Catala’s response to the pressure of coaching a club with one of the biggest fan bases in the Indian Super League (ISL). Addressing the expectations from the passionate Kerala Blasters supporters, he confidently stated, “If I chose to be a head coach or even a professional footballer before that, I also chose to embrace this kind of pressure. I like handling pressure. I know that when the team doesn’t win, fans will be disappointed, and when we do well, they will be happy. The only way to manage this is through effort, hard work, and ambition.” With Kerala Blasters finishing …

Who is David Català? What to expect from the new Kerala Blasters’ gaffer

Who is David Català? What to expect from the new Kerala Blasters’ gaffer

Published by Webster

Kerala Blasters recently announced David Català as their new head coach. The 44-year-old Spaniard will take over at Kaloor and prepare the team for the upcoming Super Cup. His appointment comes after months of instability following the sacking of Michael Stahre, just 12 games into the ongoing ISL season. Català becomes the youngest coach to lead Kerala Blasters and the second Spaniard in the club’s history. This marks Català’s first coaching stint outside Europe, bringing with him experience from multiple leagues and a playing career that spanned over 500 games. A former Espanyol youth product, he played primarily as a defender in Spain, including stints at Celta Vigo. However, his longest tenure was at Cypriot club AEK Larnaca, where he retired in 2019. A mixed bag of Coaching stints Following his playing career at Larnaca, he swiftly took over coaching the U19 Team at Larnaca. He also helped the senior team as a Technical Analyst & Scout simultaneously. After almost a year in that role, David was given the mantle of the senior team. He …

Kerala Blasters appoint David Catala as head coach

Kerala Blasters appoint David Catala as head coach

Published by Webster

The Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters appointed David Catala as the team’s new head coach on Tuesday. The Spanish tactician, recognised for his modern approach to the game and extensive experience within European football, will assume his responsibilities with immediate effect. Catala has signed a one-year contract, securing his position at the club until 2026. A former central defender, Catala enjoyed a distinguished playing career, amassing over 500 professional appearances in Spain and Cyprus before transitioning into management. His coaching career includes tenures at AEK Larnaca and Apollon Limassol in the Cypriot First Division, NK Istra 1961 in the Croatian First Football League, and CE Sabadell in the Primera Federación. He now brings his expertise and leadership to Indian football, with a clear objective of guiding Kerala Blasters FC towards sustained success. Upon his appointment, David Catala expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating: “Joining Kerala Blasters FC is an incredible honour,” said Catala after his appointment. “This club has an unmatched passion, a city that breathes football, and a fanbase that turns …