As a coach, it's a pleasure to be back: Ivan Vukomanovic

Ivan Vukomanovic cannot wait to lead the side after a spell away from football due to a ban.

Ivan Vukomanovic will be back in the Kerala Blasters dugout and took part in the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Odisha FC. The Yellow Army is set to face the Kalinga Warriors on 27 October 2023 at the JLN Stadium in Kochi. The side has failed to win their last two ISL matches and will look to change things around on Friday.

Ivan Vukomanovic spoke about various things, ranging from his return, the quality of refereeing, and not harping about what happened in the past among other things during the conversation with the reporters. He was also joined by Danish Farooq, the in-form midfielder who scored in the previous game against NorthEast United.

Here are the excerpts from the conversation:

Excited to start

Ivan Vukomanovic spoke positively about returning to the fold after serving his ban. He said, “I am feeling nice, and excited to be here, everything is alright. Everyone is excited to come here at the stadium and as a coach, it is a pleasure to be back.”

“Every game for us is difficult and hard. Since we arrived here a couple of years ago, there has not been a single game where we have not had to fight for every single point. It will be the same tomorrow and nothing different,” he said in reference to the upcoming game against Odisha FC.

Unbothered about the past

Upon being questioned about how he felt about his ban and long period away from the action, Vukomanovic said, “I am the type of guy who likes to think about the next steps. Whatever happened in the past, is a case closed. It is over. We have started the new season and I am happy to see the boys improving. In many cases in life, I do not like to bother about the past. We are now preparing for the next game against a good opponent (Odisha FC).”

We have to deal with human errors

The tactician talked about how human errors are part of sports and must be dealt with. However, he hinted at the usage of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in the ISL to improve the officiating and the overall image of the league.

“I will not say that the referees are typically against the Blasters. We have to be fair with ourselves and our league. So far, we know we have to deal with human errors. In the past couple of years, we have seen improvement (in refereeing), but we have reached a point where we cannot see it anymore. The support of certain aspects of technology can be useful and it should be the next step. Personally, I have nothing against the referees and I support them instead,” Ivan Vukomanovic opined.

Danish Farooq on scoring for KBFC

Danish Farooq talked about how it is extra special to score for the club and yet working hard is his main priority. He said, “It is always special when you score a goal but it is more special when you score here in front of so many fans. It will be a lifetime memory for me. I always work hard and believe in fighting for every ball for 90 minutes. I try to stay humble and stick to what the coach tells me. I hope to give my best and put on a good show.”