Bengaluru FC appointed Pep Munoz as its new head coach during the international break. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

These are new tidings at both Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC, who will meet in a high-profile Indian Super League (ISL) clash at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Saturday.

Both have new managers in place. BFC will welcome Spaniard Pep Munoz to the dugout for the first time this season while Blasters will be marshalled by BFC old hand Ashley Westwood for only the second time.

But the fortunes of the respective teams couldn’t be more divergent. After seven games, BFC sits fourth in the table (14 points) while Blasters are languishing in 13th place (one) in the 14-team league. It’s a no-brainer which of the two camps is happier.

“I am always intrigued when some fresh ideas come in,” said BFC talisman Sunil Chhetri, while welcoming Munoz, on match-eve. “Especially when I’m 42, I need that!

READ | Kerala Blasters — Once a title contender under Ivan Vukomanovic now struggles for relevance in ISL

“When a new coach comes, there’s a preconceived notion that everything has to change. But he has kept telling us that things are going to be different in future, but right now, it’s just some adjustments so that boys don’t feel overwhelmed.

“And I’ve told him that we are adaptable and we do exactly what the coach wants. If I do it, everyone will do it,” Chettri added.

For Westwood though, a lot has to change. The 49-year-old, who built his coaching career on the back of the three golden years at BFC from 2013 to 2016, was impressed with his team’s performance in the second half of the 0-2 reverse against Sporting Delhi last Sunday, and hoped to further that improvement.

“It is always difficult coming into a team midway through the season,” Westwood told Sportstar. “Most times, you come in because the manager before you has had poor results. But you have to instil some confidence and put some ideas in without overloading.”

The methodologies of the coaches differ too. After Westwood’s departure, BFC broke away from the Englishman’s template and appointed Albert Roca, who was schooled in the possession-heavy tactics of Barcelona. Munoz has the same lineage.

“Football is a game for the fans and my team should be able to create chances because that’s how supporters have fun,” Munoz said. “I come from Barca, and I like to manage the game with ball possession. I understand that that’s the only way to be closer to a win.”

Published on Apr 10, 2026