Blasters begin ISL preparations at Thiruvananthapuram

Indian Super League (ISL) team Kerala Blasters has begun its pre-tournament training for the second edition of the football competition here, the franchise said on Friday.

ISL begins on October 3. Kerala Balsters were the beaten finalists in the first edition of ISL, losing 0-1 to Atletico de Kolkata.

"Kerala Blasters has kicked off its preparation for Season II with the conditioning camp at Thiruvananthapuram under coach Peter Taylor. The team is practicing at the impressive facility in Thiruvananthapuram and will help them to acclimatise to the conditions and prepare well for the season," Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, a co-owner of Blasters, said in a statement.

"We have some exciting talent added to the team this year. Our performance in the inaugural season will serve as a huge motivation for the entire team to repeat and take it a step further. We look forward to yet another exciting season with the continued support of the wonderful fan base of Kerala Blasters."

Blasters have signed former Spanish international Carlos Marchena as the team's marquee player for the tournament.