Ivan Vukomanovic provides major update on Marko Leskovic

The outcome of the contest will be crucial in the race for the playoffs.

Kerala Blasters FC are set to travel on the road to face an in-form Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. Both teams are firmly involved in the race for the playoffs of the 2022-23 season of the Indian Super League (ISL). The Southern Derby is going to be fierce with a lot of stakes riding on the fixture. The Yellow Army head coach, Ivan Vukomanovic, expects his team to deliver a solid performance in the upcoming battle. Bengaluru FC have won their last five matches in a row and stopping them from winning the sixth is going to take serious effort by everyone in the line-up.

The tactician spoke to the media ahead of the fixture. Danish Farooq, the newest addition to the club, also joined him for the interaction. Here are the excerpts from the conversation:

Things have changed

Ivan Vukomanovic acknowledges Bengaluru FC’s strong squad. He explained that there have been a lot of changes at the club since his side last played them. “Since we played the first game here in Kochi, many things have changed in Bengaluru FC. They are now in a positive flow with much more confidence in their squad. They changed a couple of players on the pitch, so it's quite different. We have to go with full power and be ready for every duel and be ready to compete with their really good players with lots of experience,” he said.

While touching on the subject of the spicy nature of the fixture, Vukomanovic said, “They are in a good flow in a positive line fighting for the playoff spot from the outside. We also want to be in the playoff. So, it has always been spicy between these two teams."

Team News

The head coach provided an update on the fitness of some of his players as the side has suffered with plenty of individuals on the sidelines in recent games. He said, “Apostolos Giannou had a fever but now he has recovered. On Wednesday, he was training with the team. He is back and we hope that we won't see any more cases. Marko Leskovic is fit and has started training. He has additional work with the medical staff. It was a muscle strain injury and not a rupture but still, we don't want to take any risk.”

Danish Farooq on joining the club

Danish Farooq joined Kerala Blasters FC in the January 2023 transfer window. The former Bengaluru FC player is a great addition to the club. Speaking on the decision to join KBFC, he said, “If you ask me why I chose Kerala Blasters, it's because of the coach. I really like his playing style and it suits me. I had a chat with him, then I felt like this is the right move for me. That's why I am here.”

The midfielder concluded by talking about how the upcoming game will be his first experience as an away team player at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. "I have played there before but as the home team player. I'm yet to feel that experience of playing as an away team player, but I'm sure if I get the chance, I will give my 100%. As a team, we will play well, put on a good show there and get the maximum points,” he said in this regard.