ISL 2019-20: 5 Reasons why Kerala Blasters failed to qualify for the knockouts in the last three seasons

#2 Sloppy defence

Kerala Blasters have always been a weak defensive side.

Kerala Blasters had an average defensive display in the 2017-18 season. Despite conceding just 22 goals in 18 games, the Kochi-based side fell short of qualification due to lack of goals. The side also managed to secure six clean-sheets.

However, that was not the case in the 2018-19 season. With Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem at goal supplemented by Nemanja Lakić-Pešić and Cyril Kali, the Kerala Blasters defence never really looked settled and coherent. Blasters conceded a whopping 28 goals in just 18 games completely discrediting their defensive display on the field.

The 2019-20 season had an uncanny resemblance to the 2018-19 season. Despite being amidst the top-scoring sides of the league, a mediocre display throughout the league debarred Blasters from qualifying for the top four conceding 32 goals from their 18 games, becoming the second least economic defensive side in the league.

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#3 Lack of quality in the midfield

Midfielders could never amalgamate into a well-oiled midfield.

The Kerala Blasters management have lacked a balanced team management in the last three seasons. The franchise has always focused on getting goal-scorers with the bulk of their team budget.

An excessive outlay on the forwards have always rendered the defence and midfield without the required quality. Courage Pekuson, Victor Pulga and Kizito Keziron showed glimpses of individual brilliance but could never incorporate themselves into a well-oiled midfield.

The forwards were supplied with poor passes and lack of chances created by the midfield resulted in the team failing to score enough and win games. The next two seasons were on the same lines.

However, 2019-20 season saw an increase in goals but largely due to individual performances from Bartholomew Ogbeche and Messi Bouli.