Kerala Blasters appointed Mikael Stahre as their new Head Coach, succeeding fan favourite Ivan Vukomanovic ahead of ISL 2024-25. The 48-year-old Swedish tactician, known for his extensive experience and impressive track record, has signed a two-year contract that will see him lead the Blasters until 2026. Stahre’s appointment made him the first Swede to manage an ISL club.
Kerala Blasters’ new coach boasts of experience
Stahre, with over two decades in the coaching arena, has earned a stellar reputation for his tactical prowess and leadership skills. Stahre began his head coaching career with Vasby United before taking charge of AIK in 2008. Under his leadership, AIK secured a Swedish League Title and a Swedish Cup double in 2009.
In 2010, he moved to the Greek first-division side Panionios, though his tenure there was brief. He then returned to Sweden to coach IFK Göteborg, where he clinched the Swedish Cup in 2014.
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Mikael Stahre plied his trade in China, Thailand
Stahre’s stint in China saw him leading the recently relegated Dalian Yifang to a third-place finish in the Chinese second division, narrowly missing out on promotion to the top flight.. In 2016, he returned to Sweden to manage BK Häcken, lifting the team from 10th place to a record top-four finish with a 14-6-10 record.
Stahre has also had coaching spells in the USA, Norway, Sweden, and Thailand. Among his significant achievements are leading AIK to the Swedish Allsvenskan title, Svenska Cupen, and Supercupen, as well as guiding IFK Göteborg to victory in the Svenska Cupen.
In addition to his head coaching roles, Stahre brings 14 years of youth coaching experience, having worked with Gröndals, Hammarby, and AIK from 1990-2005. He notably led the AIK Under-19 team to a national title in 2004.
