Kerala Blasters FC has appointed 48-year-old Swedish manager Mikael Stahre as their new head coach, tasked with leading the passionate Kochi-based club towards long-awaited silverware. Stahre brings a wealth of experience across several leagues and continents, having honed his skills in his native Sweden, Greece, China, USA, Norway, and Thailand.
Stahre’s coaching journey began at the youth level, where he nurtured young talent at Hammarby IF, Gröndals IK, and most notably, AIK. His success culminated in guiding the AIK U19 team to a national title in 2004, showcasing his ability to develop young players and instill a winning mentality.
In 2007, Stahre took his first senior team job at FC Väsby United, leading them from the third division to the Swedish second tier, Superettan. This achievement caught the eye of his former club AIK, who appointed him head coach in 2008. Despite inheriting a young squad, Stahre defied expectations. In his first full season (2009), he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, clinching AIK’s first Allsvenskan title (Swedish top division) in seven years. The icing on the cake came with a Svenska Cupen (Swedish Cup) victory in the same season. This period solidified Stahre’s reputation as a shrewd tactician who could get the best out of his players. His preferred formation during this successful spell was a 4-4-2 with two holding midfielders, a system known for its defensive solidity.
Stahre’s success in Sweden attracted interest from abroad. He had a brief stint at Greek club Panionios in 2010 before returning to his homeland in 2012 to manage IFK Göteborg. While league success remained elusive, he secured a Svenska Cupen triumph in the 2012-13 season. Here, he favored a more attacking 4-3-3 formation, amassing a respectable record of 1.59 points per game over 142 matches.
I’m excited about the appointment of Mikael Stahre as our new head coach. His extensive experience and tactical acumen could bring the fresh perspective and strategies we need.
Anandu, Kerala Blaster’s Fan
Stahre then embarked on a journey across Asia, starting with Dalian Yifang in the Chinese second tier. He came close to securing promotion to the top flight, showcasing his adaptability with an impressive 1.89 points per game average. His preferred formation here shifted to a 4-2-3-1, highlighting his tactical flexibility. Short spells followed at BK Hacken (Sweden), San Jose Earthquakes (USA), and Sarpsborg 08 (Norway) before a second stint at IFK Göteborg.
His most recent venture was with Uthai Thani FC in Thailand, where he experienced mixed results. While utilizing a 3-4-3 formation, the team managed only 6 wins in 22 matches, translating to 1.2 points per game. This period suggests Stahre might need some time to adjust to the specific challenges of Indian football.
Stahre arrives at Kerala Blasters with a big void to fill. The passionate Blasters fanbase craves trophies, and it doesn’t matter if it’s the Durand Cup, Super Cup, or the coveted ISL title. The previous coach, Ivan Vukomanovic, had fostered a strong connection with the fans and nurtured young talent. Stahre will need to win over the supporters with his brand of football and a commitment to bringing silverware to Kochi.
However, Stahre brings a vast experience across diverse leagues and tactical formations. He has a proven track record of success, particularly in his early career and his first stint at AIK. His preference for a strong defense with two holding midfielders aligns well with the typical Indian football style. Additionally, his history of promoting youth talent bodes well for the development of young Indian players at Kerala Blasters.
I hope he can work with the limited resources provided by our management
Bharath, Kerala Blaster’s Fan
Whether Stahre can translate his past successes to the unique landscape of Indian football remains to be seen. But with his experience, tactical adaptability, and focus on youth development, he has the potential to be a successful long-term appointment for the ambitious Kerala Blasters FC. The passionate fans in Kochi will be eager to see him deliver the trophies they so ardently desire.
Whatsapp Group of Athletic India
