Ishfaq Ahmed: I want the players to perform to the best of their potential

The Kerala Blasters' interim coach spoke on his upcoming opponents RoundGlass Punjab FC.

Kerala Blasters FC and RoundGlass Punjab FC are slated to face each other in the second match on the opening day of the Hero Super Cup 2023-24 season. Interim coach Ishfaq Ahmed's men are gunning to prove themselves on the pitch after their infamous walkout, while the newly crowned Hero I-League champions RoundGlass Punjab FC will look to provide a good impression.

KBFC would be looking for a fresh start under interim head coach Ishfaq Ahmed who joined us for the pre-match presser. Edited excerpts are as follows.

Geared up for the RoundGlass test

Ahead of their opening encounter with the champions of Hero I-League 2022-23, coach Ishfaq Ahmed stressed the fact that "There would be no stone left unturned in the training ground in the build-up to their first match. It is even more imperative that we treated champions with respect and gave credit where due."

"I want the players to perform to the best of their potential. We are aware of what RoundGlass Punjab brought to the pitch, especially after we played against them in pre-season.

Wounded but not whining

After facing a major setback with head coach Ivan Vukomanovic handed a 10-match ban and direct participation in any team activities, Kerala Blasters were left to cope with the absence of their star midfielder Adrian Luna who has gone back to Uruguay to stay with his family. To add to their woes, captain Jessel’s injury and outgoing wingback Harmanjot Singh Khabra have left a few vacant shoes to fill in, but coach Ishfaq Ahmed is confident.

“There are many senior players like Marko (Leskovic), Victor (Mongil), and Sahal who have had an outstanding season making them deserving candidates for the captainship, but it is more important to concentrate on the first match rather than focusing on individual contributions,” said Ahmed.

Adding to the team news, he also mentioned that the absence of some players owing to injuries or personal reasons has "This has provided a golden opportunity for the players on the bench and the reserves team to step up and prove their mettle on the bigger platform." Currently, there are no new signings on the Blasters' list for this tournament.

Emerging from a difficult Group A

Group A is being dubbed as the group of death by experts. Kerala Blasters not only have the I-League champions RoundGlass Punjab joining them but also their arch-rivals Bengaluru FC pit against them in their group. Alongside are the runners-up of the Hero I-League, Sreenidi Deccan, who themselves were strong contenders in the title race. But coach Ishfaq is undaunted.

“I started the press conference with the note that we need to play our best football as all of them are good teams and anyone can come off as the group winner. It would be a boost for the tournament to host interesting games like these and also for the crowd to witness the best brand of football. As for us, in order to be the best team, we have to beat the best teams.”

The factor of playing in their home state

Lauding the efforts put by organizers in prepping up the grounds at Kozhikode and Manjeri, coach Ishfaq Ahmed recollected his playing days and said, "Kozhikode has a special place in my heart.  I don’t think there is anything challenging as long as the playing surface is good and it is always an added advantage to be playing at home.”

"Having played a couple of years behind closed doors, it was the best feeling to be back to play in front of the fans and it is always motivating and humbling to have fans throng to the stadiums to support the team and this is the time we need them the most.”