Kannur: On the football field, everyone’s eyes are on the goalkeepers’ jumps and saves. However, supporting them is a silent goalkeeper coach. The success of Kannur Warriors FC, which qualified for the Super League semifinals, is backed by goalkeeper coach Eldo Paul from Kottayam.
Before everyone arrives at the ground, the goalkeeper coach ensures that all aspects of training are planned. This vital role often goes unnoticed. In their first season, the team finished third but struggled to achieve clean sheets. However, with Eldo Paul as the goalkeeper coach in their second season, things changed. He trained some of the best goalkeepers in Kerala—Ubaid CK, Mithun V, and Alkes Raj—leading the team to secure three clean sheets in ten matches.
Additionally, Ubaid CK ranked fourth among goalkeepers with the most saves in the season. The coach plays a crucial role in providing the courage and confidence needed to handle match pressure. Eldo Paul has made a name for himself in goalkeeper training, earning a B license in coaching and goalkeeper coaching from the Asian Football Confederation, a qualification held by only a few in Kerala. Eldo was also part of the coaching team when Kerala won gold in the National Games after 28 years. He served as the co-coach when MG University secured the second place in the All India Inter University Football Championship and third in the Khelo India Football Championship in 2024.
He has experience playing for teams like Kochi Port, Josko FC, Eagles FC, and Golden Threads FC.