Ushering in a new era – Abhik Chatterjee

Kerala Blasters FC has welcomed its new CEO, Abhik Chatterjee, at a pivotal time as the club looks to build on its rich legacy and competitive ambitions. With a wealth of experience from his time with NorthEast United FC, Fateh Hyderabad AFC, and Odisha FC, Chatterjee’s appointment has stirred excitement among fans and football experts alike. His leadership role comes with a clear vision for the club’s growth, focusing not only on the current season but also on long-term sustainability.

In his first interview as CEO, Abhik Chatterjee shared his enthusiasm for the role and the future of Kerala Blasters, offering insight into his strategic goals for the club, the upcoming season, and his commitment to strengthening the foundation laid over the years.

Taking Charge of a New Challenge

Reflecting on his new role, Abhik expressed his excitement about joining Kerala Blasters, recognizing its passionate fan base and strong presence in Indian football. “Joining Kerala Blasters is an immense honour. This club is more than just a football team—it’s a symbol of pride for Kerala and a beacon of footballing culture in the country. I’m thrilled to take on this challenge and contribute to its continued success,” he remarked.

Abhik understands the high expectations surrounding the club from fans and the football community. “I recognise the weight of responsibility this role carries, but I also see it as an opportunity to push the boundaries and take Kerala Blasters to the next level,” he added.

Priorities for the Ongoing Season

Chatterjee outlined a balanced approach that integrates short-term success with long-term planning when asked about his immediate focus for the ongoing season. “The current season is incredibly important for us. Karolis (Sporting Director) and the Head Coach are doing their best to ensure the players are in the best position to compete.

They are also thinking ahead, which is key, and I am sure that everybody is hungry to win titles. I can see the determination and the motivation within them. We need to combine this with structures off the pitch, which will push us closer to holistic success.,” he said.

Abhik also highlighted the importance of creating a winning mindset while staying grounded in the club’s core values. “Our priority is to stay competitive but also to build a team culture that is resilient and adaptable. Football is unpredictable, and the key to long-term success is being collaborative and open-minded while focussing on the principles that are key building blocks.”

Developing a Stronger Connection with the Fans

One of the standout aspects of Kerala Blasters is its deeply loyal fan base, particularly the Manjappada, which has become synonymous with passionate football support in India. Chatterjee sees the club’s relationship with its fans as a key driver of its success. “Kerala Blasters has an incredible fan base, and their energy is unmatched. Our goal is to ensure that they remain an integral part of the club’s journey,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of creating a two-way dialogue with fans. “We need to actively engage with our supporters and give them a sense of ownership in the club’s success. This means being transparent with them and involving them in various aspects of the club, not just on match days but throughout the year.”

While Abhik is focused on the current season, he also has an eye on the bigger picture. His vision for Kerala Blasters extends beyond the present, emphasising the need for sustainable growth and development. “A form of success in football is winning titles which we all want, but to get there we need to create a structure that supports and enhances the pillars the support the football club. We aim to be the best sporting club in India and set standards that will hopefully be industry leading ones.”

Investing in grassroots football is crucial for Abhik. “Kerala has an immense pool of young talent, and we need to nurture that. Our academy and youth development programs will play a critical role in the future success of the club,” he noted.

Looking Ahead

As Kerala Blasters FC embarks on its latest journey under Chatterjee’s leadership, there is a palpable sense of optimism. His clear focus on immediate challenges and long-term goals provides a solid foundation for the club’s future.

“I am somebody who likes to collaborate and listen to my peers and my seniors. KBFC is full of hard working and ambitious people who take great pride in representing the Club. I believe in the same principles that Nikhil (Club Director) does and I admire the work he has put in to take the Club progressively forward. Shushen Vashishth (COO of Kerala Blasters and CEO of Tamil Thalaivas) has helped me settle in quickly and enabled me to bounce ideas off him, which has made things a bit easier. I am looking forward to working with this talented bunch at the Club more closely in the upcoming months.”

“I’m excited for the journey ahead,” Chatterjee concluded. “This is a pivotal moment for Kerala Blasters, and I believe we have the right mix of passion, talent, and strategy to achieve great things. Together, with the fans and everyone involved, we’re ready to take this club to new heights.”