Gerard Nus, Constantine or Coppell? Who will be KBFC's new coach?

Another season, another change in head coach for Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters FC. According to multiple media reports, former Mohun Bagan manager Vicuna has parted ways with the Kerala unit after a hapless defeat against South Indian rivals Hyderabad FC.

It is believed that the Spanish manager conveyed his decision to quit the team after the loss. The pressure was already mounting on the coach, after another season of disappointment which sees Blasters in 10th place and most goals conceded. It isn't entirely new for KBFC to sack their managers though, with the hot seat having been occupied by 9 managers previously.  David James (twice), Peter Taylor, Trevor Morgan (caretaker), Terry Phelan, Steve Coppell, René Meulensteen, David James, Nelo Vingada (interim)     
Eelco Schattorie and Kibu Vicuna have been the manager of the Kerala-based club.

So who will be the next candidate for the hot seat? Judging by Blasters' tendency to hire experienced coaches from the Indian leagues, here are Asiaville's Top 4 candidates. 

1) Gerard Nus

Gerard Nus is a Spanish UEFA Pro license football manager best known in India for his stint with ISL club NorthEast United FC. He is considered to be one of the greatest and most promising Spanish young managers, having successful experiences in 5 different continents (Africa, Asia, North America, Europe and Australia/Oceania). Despite a strong start to his career in India, something went wrong for the Spaniard at NorthEast which led to his firing and the subsequent decision to promote Khalid Jamil as head coach. 

Nus is a manager that thrives in defensive shapes and organisations, something Kerala have been accused of not having this season under Vicuna. He is also young and can be the right person to lead a generation of footballers. 

2) Pradhyum Reddy

Reddy is a familiar name in Indian football having worked with Bengaluru FC and FC Pune City. He is rated amongst the top coaches in the country and will be rearing to have a go with a team filled with exciting Indians like Kerala Blasters. If the KBFC management is planning a rebuild, it might be wise to give the job to someone who lives and breathes Indian football. Just Jamil has shown with the NorthEast United, there is definitely an advantage in knowing how the Indian players' mind functions.

3) Steve Coppell

Having managed Kerala Blasters, Jamshedpur and ATK previously, it is fair to say Coppell understands Indian football. He also has the advantage of being adored by the fans for taking the club to the ISL final. While Coppell doesn't promise the most attractive football, often resorting to defence-first approaches, he will bring stability to the Blasters side. An organised defence along with the likes of Sahal Samad and Rahul KP breaking in counter might just be the way forward for KBFC.

4) Stephen Constantine

Love him or hate him there is no denying Constantine's abilities. Having worked with the National Team for many years, he is well-versed with Indian football and will know exactly what works with the players. His name will also be a great attraction for young players having already nurtured the best in the country. He is currently the head coach at Cypriot club Pafos but a good offer and a plan to build a dynasty of footballers again in India will surely have him licking the lips.