Ivan Vukomanovic: We need to be concentrated and not make individual errors

The tactician is hopeful of a good performance from his team.

Kerala Blasters FC is set to face Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday in the Indian Super League 2022-23 playoff knockouts. The winner of the contest will move on to the semi-final, getting one step closer to winning the ISL trophy. 

Ivan Vukomanovic’s men have a difficult task at hand considering the eight-match winning run of Bengaluru FC. The Yellow Army is also playing away from home which makes the tie even tougher. Having said that, the tactician is hopeful that his team can deliver and stick to the game plan.

He spoke to the media ahead of the game and Jessel Carneiro was also in attendance during the pre-match press conference. Here are the excerpts from the conversation:

Need to find the result

Ivan Vukomanovic believes that his team needs to win the upcoming contest in addition to playing well. “The way we attack and defend in those moments will matter against Bengaluru FC. In the last game against the same opponents, we had a lot of possession, but we lost the game, so it does not mean a lot at the end (playing good eye-catching football), and we need to find a way to get the result,” he said insisting that getting the result in a knockout fixture is the top priority.

Bengaluru FC’s form

Bengaluru FC’s form makes them favourites to win the upcoming knockout fixture. The Blues have won their last eight matches in a row and will have better momentum heading into the fixture. Talking about BFC’s form, Ivan Vukomanovic said, “Anything is possible in the ISL, football is a beautiful game, and we have full belief in the team to get the result. We will do everything to get the qualification (into the semi-final). It does not matter what form a team is in because it is only about one game when it comes to the playoffs.”

A word on young players 

Ivan Vukomanovic is known to give ample amounts of game time to young players. Vibin Mohanan (20) played in the game against Hyderabad FC and was impressive in his performance. Talking about the importance of young players in his squad, the head coach said, “When you are a quality player, it does not matter if you are playing in the playoffs or the final, we believe in the ability they possess, so it is up to them to make a mark and start their career. They need to have the knowledge of working hard and becoming an important part of the squad.” 

“We are happy with the progress of many young players who are getting the chance. In football, age does not matter when you have quality and that is how we look at our squad.” he further added.

Gameplan

Ivan Vukomanovic hopes that his players can stick to the game plan and perform with a focus against BFC. He said, “We want the players to be more concentrated, not committing individual mistakes and being focused on the vital moments. We want to attack and defend with discipline, these moments are going to be important for us, and it will be a tough game where both teams will be careful enough to win the duels.”

Jessel Carneiro on his duties

The skipper was quick to clarify that defending takes priority over attacking for him as an individual. He said, “I know that we have to do the job that the coach has given us, and it is also important for me to defend first and then go to help the players in attack. Everybody knows how to react at the moment; they are focused on the match on Friday. We need to show a fighting spirit along with our quality and ability on the pitch. The club knows about the rivalry, and from personal experience, I want the players to be smart and careful.”