We were missing the final pass, rues Ivan Vukomanovic

The Kerala-based outfit lost the second meeting against the Islanders.

After an unbeaten run, Ivan Vukomanovic's Kerala Blasters FC lost to Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena. The Islanders started well and scored all four goals of the game within 25 minutes. KBFC’s former player Jorge Pereyra Diaz scored a brace in the match. 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:

Difference between KBFC and MCFC

Coach said that the difference between KBFC and MCFC was 25 minutes. He admitted that his team made him angry and disappointed. He said that the team already knew that it would be a tough game and his side was not so good and it is unacceptable. He also said that the individual mistakes cost all four goals scored by Mumbai City. He also took time to appreciate Mumbai City stating they have shown individual quality. He also said that his side will be looking forward to the next game. 

“The difference was 25 minutes. As a team, as a player, when you face the best team in the league, you must know that it starts from the first second. Tonight, for us is a team which makes me a little bit angry and disappointed. It took us only 25 minutes to get into the game. It is unacceptable. You know that it will be a tough game, that our opponent, they have individual quality. And for us, it was disappointing because the first 25 minutes were not to be seen. For me as a coach, it was disappointing.”

Ivan Vukomanovic continued, “We conceded four goals after individual mistakes, individual wrong movements and everything. When you play against top teams, these small details make a difference. This is how it is. Especially when you play against a team from the top of the table. We were back in the game, we wanted to create chances. But we were missing the final pass, and good movement and at halftime in the team talk we just wanted to get back into the game. Mumbai City showed tonight their quality players to solve the game in one second with individual quality. Now we have 14 days until the next game to refresh a little bit in a couple of days, take a rest and then prepare for our next game. It will be a tough one.”

Absence of Marko Leskovic

Coach said that if he says that the absence of Marko Lescovic had a huge impact on the loss, it will only be an excuse. He added that every player has to be always ready whether he is playing or not.

“It can be used as an excuse. But I don’t look at these things like that. We have players. So whoever is not there, there will be other players to replace them. This is football. There are 25 players we have in our team. I believe every player has to be ready whether he is playing or not.”