SPORTS
The Spanish tactician, known for his innovative approach to the game and vast experience in European football will begin his duties immediately.
Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters FC has quickly moved to secure a new head coach, announcing David Catala's appointment on Tuesday. The Spanish coach has signed a one-year contract, replacing interim head coach TG Purushothamman.
Catala, hailing from Spain, is well-known for his sharp tactics and extensive experience in European football. He’s set to dive right into his new role with the club.
Catala is a retired central defender who has made over 500 professional games in Spain and Cyprus. After retiring from football, he became a coach, working with AEK Larnaca, Apollon Limassol, NK Istra 1961, and CE Sabadell. Now, he is willing to offer his knowledge and vision to help Kerala Blasters FC achieve long-term success in Indian football.
"Joining Kerala Blasters FC is an incredible honour. This club has an unmatched passion, a city that breathes football, and a fanbase that turns every match into a spectacle. The expectations here are clear—this is a club that deserves success, and together, we will chase it with everything we have.
"Kaloor’s energy and the stature of this great club demand nothing less than excellence. I can’t wait to get started, and meet everyone at the club. Let’s go, Blasters!," said Catala in a statement issued by the club.
Despite having a relatively brief managerial career, Catala has already made a name for himself by clinching a trophy. He led Apollon Limassol to victory in the 2022-23 Cypriot Super Cup, where they triumphed over Omonia Nicosia in the final. Apollon secured their place in the final after winning the Cypriot First Division the season before. This victory marked the club’s fourth Super Cup title, putting them ahead of Omonia, who currently holds the record for the most Super Cup wins.
Catala has gained considerable experience leading teams in European competitions. In the 2022-23 season, he led Apollon Limassol through the UEFA Europa League qualifications, overcoming challenging opponents such as Olympiakos. They secured a fair 1-1 draw at home, but fell short in the final game, losing 4-2. After that, Apollon Limassol entered the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage, where they went up against teams like AZ Alkmaar from the Netherlands, SC Dnipro from Ukraine, and FC Vaduz from Switzerland. Although they narrowly missed out on qualifying for the knockout stages, they put up a strong fight, finishing just three points behind second-placed Dnipro, with Alkmaar leading the group.
Catala has also had the chance to play alongside some notable players, including former Bengaluru FC forward Toni Dovale and former FC Pune City midfielder Jonathan Vila during his time at Celta Vigo. He shared the dressing room with Spain forward Iago Aspas and former Premier League striker Michu.
CSK legend MS Dhoni breaks silence on IPL retirement, addresses rumours in latest podcast
Salman Khan flaunts his new watch worth more than a Mumbai sea-facing flat, it costs Rs...
Priyanka Chopra bags Allu Arjun's next with Jawan's director Atlee? Insider says 'she has...'
Viral video: Man's sweet rebuke to his grandfather for eating junk food is melting netizens!
Shark Tank judge Aman Gupta reacts to Piyush Goyal’s remarks on Indian startups: 'We need to...'
Why there is no double-header today in IPL 2025 despite being Sunday?
CBSE Board Result 2025: CBSE 12th board exams are over, but when will results be out?
Noida news: Five new cities to be built around Jewar airport; details inside
IPL 2025: MS Dhoni shares batting secrets with Ashutosh Sharma after CSK vs DC clash - Watch
Nita Ambani keeps it simple in rani pink bandhani suit to celebrate Ram Navami
Private schools in trouble as Delhi govt targets unfair fee hikes, parents' complaints spark...
Man in Taiwan steals ex-girlfriend's father's ashes, uses it to force her to get back together
Man approaches High Court after housing society bans his blind pet dog from...
Saudi Prince MBS orders visa ban on 14 nations, including India, Pakistan due to...
Ratan Tata's TCS loses Rs 110351 crore in just 96 hours after...; becomes biggest...
End of an era as UK to end globalisation after Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs?
Another big move by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, teams up with..., announces launch of...
Viral video: Sudden power cut during Pak vs NZ match puts batsman in danger
'Ready to Roar': Jasprit Bumrah returns to Mumbai Indians squad ahead of RCB match
Jacqueline Fernandez's mother Kim Fernandez passes away after suffering stroke
Mohali: 17-year-old dies by suicide after jumping from 4th floor of popular mall
Khushdil Shah gets into ugly fight with spectator in Pak vs NZ match, PCB responds now
SRH vs GT, IPL 2025: Hyderabad pitch report and Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium's statistics
ACP Pradyuman dies in CID after 27 years, fans believe it's the end of Sony TV
Sanju Samson trumps Rahul Dravid, Shane Warne for THIS amazing feat in RR vs PBKS match
IPL 2025: CSK player spotted sleeping during match against DC, viral image ignites funny reactions
'Walk on knees, lick coins': Kerala firm's bizarre punishment for employees
IAF parajump instructor dies after parachute malfunctions during demo skydiving in Agra
Pregnant woman says Ola driver threatened to kill her unborn baby: 'Tere pet mein...'
MS Dhoni should join us in our commentary box after this game, he has lost cricket: Matthew Hayden
Born rich to self-made: Meet world’s youngest billionaires of 2025
Happy Ram Navami 2025: Best wishes, messages, images, greetings and quotes to share
Scarlett Johansson’s alleged stalker arrested for threatening to bomb Saturday Night Live
Meet Raj Angad Bawa, Rohit Sharma’s replacement in IPL 2025, was bought by Mumbai Indians for Rs...
'Instant Karma': Man pulls Nile crocodile's tail in viral video, regrets it later, see why
Ayesha Jhulka was shocked after a body double was used to shoot vulgar scenes in Dalaal
MS Dhoni is NOT going to retire, Stephen Fleming has definite answer after CSK vs DC match
Viral video: Isha Ambani, Shloka Mehta show how to ace ethnic wear at awards ceremony
Meet man who is set to lead Rs 147000 crore company which makes Fevicol, he is...
GBSHSE Goa Board Class 10 SSC Result 2025 date announced: Check time, steps to check
Abhishek Bachchan loses cool at paparazzi at Manoj Kumar's funeral, video goes viral - Watch
Ram Navmi 2025: Chef shows how to prepare Lord Ram's favourite drink, shares step-by-step guide
Tata Capital's BIG move, files papers at SEBI for mega Rs 150000000000 IPO; Check details here
What causes that sudden electric shock when you touch someone