Kerala Blasters announce 27-member squad for the new Indian Super League season

Kochi: Kerala Blasters FC on Wednesday announced a revamped 27-member team for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL) football tournament.

The announcement came at a function here in the presence of team co-owners Sachin Tendulkar, Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Nimmagadda Prasad and Allu Aravind.

Blasters have made significant changes to the team which has Stephen Coppell, a former Manchester United veteran, as its coach.

The team has an impressive line-up of 27 players including star marquee player Aaron Hughes, defender Cedric Hengbart, goalkeeper Graham Stack, Michael Chopra, Azrack Mahamat, Duckens Nazon, Kervens Belfort, Didier Boris Kadio and Elhadji Ousseynou Ndoye.

They have also retained Antonio German and Josue, who were impressive last season along with Indian star players Sandesh Jhingan, Mehtab Hossain, Sandip Nandy, Mohammad Rafi and Gurwinder Singh.

Speaking on the occasion, head coach Stephen Coppell said: "We would like to play an attacking game with width. We are right now focussed on getting everybody fit and becoming a cohesive unit. We will take it one game at a time."

"The strategy will be fluid depending on the opposition and we will play within our strengths," he added.

Commenting on the players, co-owner of Kerala Blasters FC Schin Tendulkar said: "We have a talented team of young and experienced professionals who are hungry to go out on the field and give their best.``

"I am looking forward to a splendid performance from our team and urge all the fans to rally behind us."