David Catala joins Kerala Blasters FC: All you need to know about the Spanish tactician

Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters FC have wasted no time in appointing a new head coach, announcing the arrival of David Catala on Tuesday.

The Spaniard joins the club on a one-year deal, taking over from TG Purushothamman, who previously served as interim head coach. Catala has enjoyed a distinguished playing career, amassing over 500 professional club appearances.

While he is still building his managerial career, he has worked in multiple countries across Europe and achieved notable success.

Who is David Catala?

A former central defender, Catala spent most of his playing career in Spain before moving to Cypriot club AEK Larnaca, where he played before retiring. Post-retirement, he took charge of the club’s youth team and was later appointed as head coach during the 2021-22 season.

Under his guidance, AEK Larnaca secured a third-place finish in the regular season and finished second in the championship round, which earned them a spot in the second round of the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League qualifiers. They were eliminated on penalties by FC Midtjylland.

Following his successful stint with AEK Larnaca, Catala moved to rivals Apollon Limassol, continuing his coaching career in Cyprus. He then took charge of Croatian club NK Istra 1961 in the Croatian First Football League and later managed CE Sabadell in the Primera Federación, the third tier of Spanish football.

What is Catala's style of play?

Catala's philosophy focuses on tactical flexibility and structured pressing. His teams shift between low, middle, and high defensive blocks while applying pressure both in attack and defense. During his managerial career, he has mostly stuck with a four-man backline, utilizing full-backs for width and midfielders for control in transitions. While his teams build up progressively from the back, they also use long balls when necessary to bypass pressure.

Despite his relatively short managerial career, Catala has already secured a trophy. He won the 2022-23 Cypriot Super Cup with Apollon Limassol, defeating Omonia Nicosia in the final. Apollon had earned their place in the final after winning the Cypriot First Division the previous season. The triumph marked the club’s fourth Super Cup title, overcoming Omonia, who hold the record for the most Super Cup victories.

What’s Next for KBFC?

Catala is set to arrive in Kochi soon to begin preparations for the Super Cup alongside the squad. With his wealth of experience, Kerala Blasters will be hopeful that Catala can guide them to success in the upcoming season.