Pradyum Reddy disappointed with missing chances, David James applauds Marco Stankovic

Both the tacticians had a similar take on the game.

Hosts FC Pune City were forced to share the spoils with Kerala Blasters in an intriguing game at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Friday. Marko Stankovic scored a stunner to hand Pune a 1-0 lead, just 13 minutes into the game. Nikola Krcmarevic levelled the score after the half-time break to share the spoils.

Coaches from both the teams looked disappointed with refereeing decisions and shed light on future improvements, while also talking about the positives to take from this game in the post-match press conference.

 

 

 

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Watch: FC Pune City 1-1 Kerala Blasters highlights

Pradyum Reddy was asked if the Stallions played as per the desired plan. "The boys stuck to the game-plan. We scored the first goal too. Unfortunately, we lost the goalscorer shortly after, so we had to make a few adjustments. We did really hardwork with the ball and there were a lot of positives to take from the game," he answered.

When questioned about whether he was satisfied with the result they achieved given their form against Kerala Blasters the Stallions' tactician replied, "It is always difficult to beat Kerala. They are not an easy team to break down and obviously, with the form they came with."

"We started the game with small goals. We scored early too. Obviously, we missed a few chances, we could have gone 2-0 up today. But, this is how the game is," Reddy added.

"He will go for a scan tomorrow morning, I don't know how serious the injury is, He is our key player. So, we want him back as quick as possible," Pradyum Reddy revealed on Stankovic's injury. 

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The Kerala Blasters' boss David James looked frustrated with the result and emphasized on improving more in front of goal. "Yes, frustrated by the result. Wonderful strike from Stankovic though. We did well to grab the equaliser in the second half," James started.

"Obviously, we need points to progress in the league. We played draws, deserved to win all. We have Bengaluru next, one of the best team in India, so it will be a tough game so we need to be more clinical in finishing," added James when questioned about whether he was satisfied with the result.

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The Kerala Blasters head coach was asked whether his side's attack misfired or Pune's defence was strong and the coach replied, "We missed a lot of chances, our finishing was very poor. If we would have finished the moves we made the outcome could have been different."

"Four draws now in a row, so we definitely missing something. We are doing all the good work. but are failing to close the game," he opined. "It was a great strike from Stankovic. The defence cannot do much about such a screamer. So, it was hard luck for us. We need to improve our finishing. We had a lot of shots off target," James quipped.