Ivan Vukomanovic expects nothing but a win against NEUFC

The Kerala Blasters tactician shared his thoughts on the next opponents.

KBFC, who started their Indian Super League 2022-23 campaign (ISL) with a big win over East Bengal FC has failed to continue their momentum. The Kochi based club lost three consecutive matches they have played. A day before the fifth encounter, KBFC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic and forward Rahul KP addressed the media in their pre-match press conference at Guwahati.

Vukomanovic's thoughts on NorthEast United

The KBFC coach said that NorthEast United are one of the toughest opponents according to them. He also said that his side is preparing well for the upcoming match like everytime. He mentioned that tomorrow’s game would be a tough game against a tough opponent who is also fighting for the points.

“I think they are tough opponents. Even in the last season, the two matches we played against them were difficult. They are a very strong team with strong individuals and good coaches.”

Coach about injury concerns in the team

Ivan Vukomanovic said that everybody is available in Guwahati. He also said that one foreign player was injured but he recovered and is also available for the game. 

“Everybody is available. We have an available team. Everybody is ready for tomorrow’s game. We have no injuries so far. There was a small issue with one of our foreign players in the last two games. But he has recovered and he is with us now.”

Coach about Guwahati stadium

He said that the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati is a good playground with a good crowd. He added that for his side every game is difficult; whether playing in home or away stadium.

“I think it's a good ground with a good crowd. For Kerala Blasters, every game is difficult. Whether playing home or away we always play in front of a huge crowd. So for us it will be an interesting game tomorrow.”

Coach talking about what happened to KBFC after opening match

Ivan Vukomanovic said that his side have shown some quality in all the games they’ve played so far in this season. According to him, the individual mistakes of the players affected the team and that led to the bad result. He also added that to win a game all have to deserve some luck too. 

“In football you have to try to keep the momentum. I think in all four games we have shown some quality. The first game we deserved to win and then in the next games we showed how we wanted to play with high pressing. And sometimes when you make some individual mistakes due to pressure during the game it will affect the result. Even in the last game we conceded two easy goals but in the second half we responded the way we wanted to play. In football you have to deserve luck.”

Coach about strategic changes in the team

Ivan Vukomanovic said that as of now the team is not planning to make such changes. He credited the players that it is because of them. They have the belief to win the upcoming matches and he as a coach loves that passion of the players.

“Yes and no. Because I like the fact that a lot of players showed that passion. They are not happy with the current result and they want to give it back on the pitch. They want to stop that bad momentum. So I like that fact. And I think we are capable of collecting points.”

Rahul KP about starting in the last game

One of the promising forwards of Kerala Blasters, Rahul KP started for the first time this season in the last game against Mumbai City. Despite the loss the young player has put forward some good moments in the game. He said that he felt very happy to start the game. According to him it's not about showing individual quality, it's about winning a game as a team. 

He added that everybody who is associated with the club is working hard everyday. He also mentioned that people outside can easily judge them when they lose a match but take some time to think about the effort we are putting in everyday. 

“It feels good to start for sure. But it also depends on how you fit into the team and you always have to fight to be in the team. Everyday there is competition inside the team .So it's about everyday fighting. At the end of the day when you get the chance you need to prove and also listen to the coach and how he wants the team to play. Also it's not about playing it's about winning. I can play and lose the game and I can't be happy about it. Also I cannot play and maybe the team wins and I can be happy about it. That’s the two things.”

He added that, “After all we as players we want to be as a team that's why we are here. Everyday we are training. Also the coaching staffs they are also preparing. It's so easy to judge people when they lose a game. But there is a lot of preparation behind it. Everyday we are trying to keep discipline. Not only me, every player, the coaching staff, everyone who works for the club. Everybody want to understand that. I feel like we are never gonna give up.”

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