Ivan Vukomanovic: We wanted to achieve something today

Dimitrios Diamantakos’ early strike helped Kerala Blasters beat the table toppers.

Kerala Blasters defeated Hyderabad FC 1-0 to end their unbeaten run in the Indian Super League 2022-23 season. Dimitrios Diamantakos scored the lone goal (first half) in the game for Ivan Vukomanovic's side at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad. Both teams showcased some intense attacking football in the second half but the scoreline didn't change. The defending champions did try to dominate the game but it was very difficult for them to break the KBFC defence.

Ivan Vukomanovic met the media for the post-match press conference to discuss his side’s performance. Here’s what the Kerala Blasters head coach said.

Thoughts on the game

Ivan Vukomanovic said that his side were aware that the game against the defending champions would be very difficult. However, they kept in mind that they wanted to achieve something against the team to whom they lost in the finale last season.

“We knew before the game that Hyderabad is one of the best teams in the ISL. We knew it would be a tough game. The team we lost in the finals last year. We knew that we wanted to achieve something today."

"We need to be tough, organised, concentrate on set-pieces and every possible detail in order to collect the points. Because now we are in the moment where we actually need to fight for every point. We recognise this part of the season and we need to concentrate because we want to look like a team which is tough to beat. We want to be strong in every possible aspect," he added.

On the support from fans

The head coach said that the support from the fans is something that he cannot describe. He said that the fans will always be there for the club, both in good and bad times. He added that the club is always grateful for having these types of fans who are supporting them in both home and away stadiums. 

“This kind of feeling is something that you cannot describe. The way they push you not only playing at home. Tonight we saw that in difficult moments they are here behind you to keep your back. We are grateful to have these kinds of fans. They proved it again today and I think they will continue supporting us.”

On Dimitrios Diamantakos’ performance

Ivan Vukomanovic said that Dimitrios is a very good player. He took some time to adapt to Indian football. Now the players have got to know each other and the coach believes that they will continue to give positive results. 

“Dimi (Dimitrios Diamantakos) is a great guy. He is a very good player. The fact is, he needed a couple of games to adapt to Indian football. He didn’t get proper pre-season training. Even Adrian Luna also missed most of the pre-season."

He added, "In such situations, we need a couple of games to put all these things together. And you need these guys to get to know each other and how they want to play together. These things will help in getting good results. And we hope they will continue like that. Because these guys are great.”