ISL 2017: Michael Chopra furious with Kerala Blasters management over Rene Meulensteen sacking
What's the story?
Former Kerala Blasters FC player Michael Chopra has criticized his former club over the sacking of Dutch manager Rene Meulensteen right in the middle of the season.
In case you didn't know...
Michael Chopra is an English footballer of Indian origin who began his footballing career at Newcastle United. Chopra has represented England at the U-16, U-17, U-19 and U-20 level.
Chopra was part of the inaugural Indian Super League season and was drafted by Kerala Blasters along with fellow Englishman David James. Chopra was back again in Kochi in season three after a stint with Scottish championship club Alloa Athletic.
The heart of the matter
Rene Meuelensteen parted ways with Kerala Blasters on Tuesday after a string of poor performances from the Kochi side. Kerala Blasters are currently at the eighth position in the ISL standings.
Michael Chopra tweeted on Wednesday criticising the situation at Kerala Blasters amidst Rene Meulensteen's departure and termed the decision as a shameful act by the club which has the most loyal fans.
Chopra's tweet brought into limelight the fact that Kerala Blasters have sacked two managers over the course of four seasons. The earlier Blasters manager who got the boot was Peter Taylor, who was sacked in the middle of season 2 after four consecutive losses. Taylor was later replaced by Irishman Terry Phelan.
What's next?
Kerala Blasters have now signed their former player-manager David James who will take immediate charge as Blasters are set to host FC Pune City at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Thursday.
Author's take
Michael Chopra's criticism of the Kerala Blasters is justified as a team cannot be successful in the long term if they develop a culture of sacking managers on the basis of negative results. This decision might prove to a boon or a bane for the Blasters as they look to rebuild their season under David James.