Ishfaq Ahmed: We're not used to playing in these conditions

The Kerala Blasters mentor also revealed about the changes in the line-up.

I-League runners-up Sreenidi Deccan displayed a spirited performance against ISL heavyweights Kerala Blasters to get their first win of the Hero Super Cup. Ishfaq Ahmed's side, despite playing in their home state, were not able to stand up to the side from Hyderabad and conceded twice in the first half to taste their first defeat in the tournament.

As a result of this outcome, the group is now wide open for any side to take advantage and make a bid for qualification to the next round.

After the game, Kerala Blasters assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed addressed the post-match press conference.

Overall reaction to the game

Ishfaq Ahmed expressed his opinion on the game. He gave his reasonings for his side's loss. He said, "We conceded two goals in the first half. No excuses. I think we have to be honest with ourselves. We did not defend well, particularly in the first half. I think we can do better than that. We know that our players are much better than the way we played in the first half. They took both of their chances and scored."

The tactician added, "We tried our best in the second half and created a lot of chances. But sometimes, it is not meant for you. The second half belonged to us. That's how we can play and we are known for. I hope we won't repeat this kind of first half performance again."

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• Hero Super Cup 2023: Sreenidi Deccan earn deserving win over Kerala Blasters
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On facing Bengaluru FC in the decider game

Ishfaq Ahmed talked about the prospects of playing Bengaluru FC in the upcoming game, which could prove to be a decider. He stated, "It doesn't matter which team we are playing. But anytime we play with Bengaluru, it is always a good encounter. Now, in the Super Cup, it is more interesting as it can be the decider. For us, we need to concentrate on our A game and try to play to the best of our abilities. I hope we will win that match."

On making multiple changes in the starting XI

The assistant coach revealed the reasons for making a number of changes in the starting XI.

"The idea was (to introduce) little bit more fresh legs because it is very humid here. We had only one training session and a lot of travel in between. It's not easy to cope with the humidity and you can see in the first half that it was a bit difficult for some of our players. The main plan behind fielding different players was to bring in fresh legs and give some other players more minutes."

On the conditions in which the team had to play

Ishfaq Ahmed discussed about the humidity and the heat that his side had to tackle for playing the game. He stated that many of the Kerala Blasters players are not used to playing under such conditions, and consequently, his team suffered.

"We are not used to playing in these conditions. It is not an excuse but truth. We have not played in this time right from the pre-season to this date. In India, we know that in this time, the humidity is very high. So, for some of our players, who are not used to play under such conditions, it was a bit difficult. Keeping that aside, we can do better. But indeed that was a factor."