Ishfaq Ahmed indicates Kerala Blasters won't change approach against Odisha

The Kerala Blasters assistant coach said the team is all set for the match against Odisha.

Kerala Blasters settled for a draw against Chennaiyin FC in their previous Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) fixture after five consecutive wins on the trot. KBFC are all set to meet Odisha FC in their next match at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi. Prior to the encounter, KBFC assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed and midfielder Jeakson Singh addressed the media in the pre-match press conference.

Here’s what they said:

Both teams fighting for playoffs spots

Ishfaq Ahmed said that it will be one of the most important matches for them since both teams have equal points. However, Kerala Blasters lost in their first meeting with Odisha so it will be an interesting game as they will be eyeing to give a perfect reply this time.

“I think it's a very important match. I would even say that it’s one of the most important matches of the season because they have the same points as we have. We have been playing good football. It's our home match. I think with the support of fans and home ground advantage we should achieve something in this match and I think we are pretty much confident.

"We respect our opponents and their coach. They have been doing pretty well especially in this season. But we will take it as a very serious challenge and if we want to go further in this tournament we need to get some positive results in this match,” he added.

On the Chennaiyin FC tie

According to the coach, a draw in an away match is not so bad. The Kerala Blasters' assistant coach admitted that all the away matches are tough. He also said that the most important thing for the team is they are going through a positive phase.

“It's past. They started well first and after we scored the goal we got good half chances. But away matches won't be easy for many teams to play. Chennaiyin are a good team. Sometimes in away matches one point is not a bad result. The most important part of this campaign for us is that we haven't lost from the last six matches and we hopefully continue that.”

Approach against Odisha FC

Ishfaq Ahmed said that his side will continue the same way, mentioning that it is what helped them to secure six positive results in a row.

“I think we will continue the same way we have been playing. Because that is what has been giving us the positive results in the last six matches. So I don't think there will be anything different. We will try to avoid the mistakes which we have done against them in the previous match, which was a long way back.

"After that we have changed our approach for the games and that's how we got these results. I think we have improved a lot physically. We got 1-0 win against teams who had bigger players. We are ready for the challenge and we will go with a positive frame of mind and we can’t wait for the match.”

Injury update

“There are no injury concerns in the team so far. As of now everyone is available.”

Jeakson about playing along with Ivan Kaliuzhnyi

Kerala Blasters' midfielder Jeakson Singh shed light on the partnership he has formed with Ukrainian Ivan Kaliuzhnyi.

“Last time, I was playing with Puitea. He is also a good player. Now with Vanya it is like we're starting together. We started knowing each other well. But before, in the first 2-3 matches, we were not completely understanding what he wants to do and what I want to do. But now we have more understanding between each other than before. And it's good both for the team and for us in order to help the team in winning matches.”