Kerala Blasters FC will begin their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign against Inter Kashi FC at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune. Ahead of the opening fixture, head coach Ashley Westwood has made it clear that the team’s primary objective is to win matches, deliver entertaining football and compete for trophies.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on 10 October 2026, Westwood outlined his expectations for the new season while acknowledging the challenges of a shortened preparation period.
Returning midfielder Adrian Luna also expressed his determination to help Kerala Blasters make a positive start, emphasising that limited training time should not become an excuse for the team.
With a new campaign underway, Kerala Blasters will be looking to establish consistency and build a competitive squad capable of challenging opponents throughout the season.
Ashley Westwood: We’re Here to Win Football Matches and Trophies
Kerala Blasters head coach Ashley Westwood has emphasised that winning remains the club’s ultimate ambition.
Despite the limited preparation time available before the start of the competition, Westwood wants his players to remain focused on improving performances and securing results.
“The plan is to build, be consistent, hopefully try and play some good football to keep the fans entertained. Of course, we’re winners at this football club and we’re here to win, it’s as simple as that. Whether we’ll have enough is another question but our sole aim is to win every football match and to win trophies,” Westwood said.
His comments reflect an approach that combines competitive results with entertaining football.
Westwood believes that the team must develop consistency throughout the campaign while finding solutions to the challenges it encounters.
Rather than concentrating on the difficulties of the pre-season, the coach wants Kerala Blasters to focus on what they can achieve on the pitch.
Kerala Blasters FC vs Inter Kashi FC – Match Details
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Competition | MG Indian Super League 2026-27 |
| Fixture | Kerala Blasters FC vs Inter Kashi FC |
| Venue | Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex |
| Location | Pune, Maharashtra |
| Kerala Blasters Head Coach | Ashley Westwood |
| Key Player | Adrian Luna |
| Match Status | Kerala Blasters FC Season Opener |
| Live Streaming | YouTube, SonyLIV |
| TV Telecast | Sony Sports Network |
| Kick-off Time | 5:00 PM IST |
The fixture will provide Kerala Blasters with their first competitive opportunity of the new ISL season.
Westwood Refuses to Use Short Pre-Season as an Excuse
One of the major challenges facing Kerala Blasters FC ahead of the new campaign has been the limited time available for preparation.
Westwood acknowledged that the team would have benefited from a longer training period. However, he insisted that the situation should not become an excuse if results do not go according to plan.
“Of course, we haven’t had enough time but that’s what it is. We’re not going to be talking about that in the future. That’s what it is, everybody knows. I’m not going to sit there, if we lose, I’m not going to start crying and saying we’ve not had enough time. That’s the hand we have. You have to try and come up with a solution and you have to try and win,” he explained.
The coach’s comments underline his intention to concentrate on practical solutions rather than circumstances beyond the team’s control.
For Kerala Blasters, the opening stages of the season will be important in developing team chemistry, improving tactical understanding and building confidence.
Westwood has indicated that progress and consistency will remain priorities as the campaign develops.
Adrian Luna Returns With Renewed Ambition
The return of Adrian Luna is another important development for Kerala Blasters FC ahead of the ISL 2026-27 season.
The midfielder expressed his happiness at returning to the club and confirmed that he is ready for the challenges of the new campaign.
Luna believes that Kerala Blasters must remain competitive and approach every fixture with the intention of winning.
“I am happy to be back. I am ready for this new season. What we are expecting is to be competitive as always, trying to win games, and we have to go after them,” Luna said.
The midfielder also acknowledged the limited training period available to the squad.
“It’s true that we have only one week of training, but it’s not going to be an excuse for us. We have to go there and try to play good football, try to win. This is the most important thing, and to try to start the season in a good way,” he added.
His comments echo Westwood’s emphasis on taking responsibility for performances rather than focusing on the difficulties of preparation.
Luna’s experience and involvement will be important as Kerala Blasters look to establish their playing style under the head coach.
Kerala Blasters Aim to Build Consistency in ISL 2026-27
Consistency is expected to be one of the central themes of Kerala Blasters FC’s approach to the new season.
Westwood wants the team to produce performances that entertain supporters while maintaining a strong competitive mentality.
The coach has also highlighted the importance of continuous improvement as the campaign progresses.
For a team beginning the season with limited preparation, the ability to adapt quickly and develop an understanding between players could prove significant.
Kerala Blasters will need to translate their pre-match confidence into performances when they face Inter Kashi FC.
A positive result in the opening fixture would provide an encouraging foundation for the matches ahead.
Inter Kashi FC Present the First Challenge
Inter Kashi FC will be the first opponents for Kerala Blasters in the ISL 2026-27 campaign.
The encounter at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune gives Westwood an opportunity to assess his team’s readiness in a competitive environment.
The opening match will also offer supporters an early look at Kerala Blasters’ approach under the head coach.
Westwood’s emphasis on winning football, combined with Luna’s determination to make a strong return, sets the tone for the team’s preparations.
Although the coaching staff has acknowledged the challenges associated with a short pre-season, Kerala Blasters are determined to begin the campaign positively.
Kerala Blasters FC ISL 2026-27 Live Streaming and TV Telecast
Football supporters in India can follow the ISL 2026-27 season through multiple broadcast platforms.
YouTube will provide free live streaming coverage, while SonyLIV will offer online streaming through its supported platforms.
Selected fixtures will also be televised on Sony Sports Network.
The announced live coverage begins at 5:00 PM IST, allowing supporters to follow the action as the new season gets underway.
Kerala Blasters Ready for a New ISL Campaign
Kerala Blasters FC enter the 2026-27 Indian Super League season with clear ambitions.
Ashley Westwood has emphasised the importance of winning matches, building consistency and delivering entertaining football, while Adrian Luna has expressed his determination to contribute to a successful campaign.
Both have acknowledged the challenges of limited preparation but remain focused on securing positive results.
The opening encounter against Inter Kashi FC will be an important first step as Kerala Blasters begin their new season.
Stay tuned to Kerala TV for Kerala Blasters FC news, ISL 2026-27 match schedules, live streaming information, television broadcast updates and Indian football coverage.
