When you keep believing it will pay off, says Ivan Vukomanovic

The tactician spoke after the convincing with against NorthEast United.

Kerala Blasters led by Ivan Vukomanovic clinched a 3-0 victory over NorthEast United in the ISL at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Ivan Vukomanovic’s men who were back in action with three consecutive losses played some breathtaking moments in their second away game. Indian international Shahal Abdul Samad who came as a substitute scored twice after Dimitrios Diamantikos’ opener and helped KBFC to register their second win of the season.

KBFC found a way in the second half when Diamantakos got the ball from Saurav Mandal who carried it forward on the right wing and scored the opening goal of the match. Mandal’s delivery beats all the NEUFC defenders and finds Diamantakos as he strikes the ball into an open net. Kerala Blasters coach Ivan Vukomanovic discussed his side’s performance at the post-match press conference.

Here’s what the Kerala Blasters’ head coach said:

Coach about how important is this victory

Ivan Vukomanovic said that it was a crucial match for his side as they face NorthEast United after three consecutive losses. He added that his boys have played some good football today.

“After three defeats back to back it's crucial to achieve the three points. In the last couple of games we were playing good football but yet we couldn’t achieve the points. Today we started again with some new faces. Because we have very good players. And I'm really happy for them as today they have shown some good quality and commitment to the team and also the motivation to play one good game.”

Talking about the game he said his side was a little bit nervous in the goalless first half. He added that after the first half they made team talk and played accordingly.

He added that, “We knew it would be a very difficult game. And if you don't approach these types of games with 100 percent seriousness you can suffer. We were a little bit nervous in the first half. After the first half we had a team talk about how we want to approach the second half. Anyway we are happy with the three points. Very happy for the boys, very happy for the fans.”

Coach about the opponents

He said that each and every team in this league has quality. Nobody can play casually against any opponent, even if they are at the top or bottom of the points table. He mentioned that one important thing is that everyone has to be always concentrating on the game.

“All the teams in the league are good. Talking about today's opponent being bottom of the table. This team has qualities to be higher up on ranking. This is just bad momentum. Actually every opponent in ISL you have to be aware of danger. You have to be very concentrated. If you think that you can be casual playing in this league, no. It's not the fact. You always have to concentrate.”

Coach about the changes in starting XI

Coach said that he believes in the young players in the team and he always loves to give chances to them who all have the potential to improve. According to him to build up a player it should start from youth.

“I always like to give chances to players, especially young players who have potential to improve. If you speak about building up a player it starts from youth. I'll always believe in these young players, especially Indian players who are all motivated to work hard and I'll never have a problem putting them in a game.”

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