As the 2024-25 season approaches, Kerala Blasters FC is gearing up for their pre-season preparations with an intensive camp in Chonburi, Thailand. Scheduled from July 3rd to July 22nd, this camp marks a crucial phase for the team as they look to sharpen their skills and build cohesion under the guidance of newly appointed Head Coach, Mikael Stahre.
New Beginnings Under Mikael Stahre
The pre-season camp in Thailand will be the first opportunity for Coach Stahre to take charge of the squad. Players will converge in Pattaya, setting up their base as they prepare for a challenging season ahead. This camp is not just about physical conditioning but also about strategizing and fine-tuning their gameplay under the new coach’s philosophy.
Friendly Matches and Competitive Edge
The three-week camp will feature at least three friendly matches against renowned Thai football clubs. These matches will provide a fantastic platform for Coach Stahre and his coaching staff to evaluate the players, experiment with tactics, and build a cohesive unit. The camp is designed to ensure the team hits the ground running when they participate in the 133rd Durand Cup, starting on July 26th.
Comments from the Sporting Director
Sporting Director, Karolis Skinkys, expressed his enthusiasm for the overseas training camp, stating, “I’m very happy that we have such an opportunity to start the preseason in a training camp abroad. This will be useful for many reasons like team building, quality training conditions, and friendly matches. This is something very important for the new coaching staff as well.”
Promoting Youth and Integrating New Signings
In line with the club’s philosophy of promoting youth, new faces from the Kerala Blasters Academy are expected to join the squad in Thailand. This initiative underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and integrating them into the first team. Alongside these promising youngsters, the club’s new signings will also join the camp, ensuring that both seasoned players and newcomers are well-integrated before the season kicks off.
Bringing the Action Closer to Fans
Although the friendly matches will be conducted behind closed doors, Kerala Blasters FC is actively exploring options to bring the pre-season action closer to its fans. The club aims to ensure that supporters stay connected and engaged with the team’s progress.
Preparation for the Competitive Calendar
Post the pre-season camp, the team will fly directly to their group venue to commence their competitive calendar with the 133rd Durand Cup. This seamless transition from intensive training to competitive play is designed to give Kerala Blasters FC a competitive edge as they embark on the new season.
With meticulous preparation and strategic planning, Kerala Blasters FC is set to make a strong start to the 2024-25 season. The pre-season camp in Thailand represents a significant step towards achieving their goals and building a formidable team under the new leadership of Coach Mikael Stahre.