Ivan Vukomanovic: Always a pleasure facing Manolo Marquez

Ivan Vukomanovic also spoke about squad rotation at Kerala Blasters and the competition inside the team.

The clash between FC Goa and Kerala Blasters promises to be a riveting one, with both teams looking to outshine each other on December 3rd. The head coach of Kerala Blasters, Ivan Vukomanović, was brimming with insights, ranging from expectations for the match to reflections on the team’s performance and individual player experiences.

Let’s go through what the maestro and forward Kwame Peprah had to say before the game.

Vukomanović’s expectations

Ivan Vukomanović set the stage by acknowledging FC Goa’s formidable presence in the league this season. Emphasizing FC Goa’s strategic prowess under Manolo Márquez, he anticipates a fierce battle between two competitive teams aiming for victory.

“FC Goa has evolved into a robust squad under coach Manolo Márquez, showcasing marked improvement from previous seasons. Our history with Márquez has always led to intense battles and tactical engagements. Expect another competitive match between two quality sides aiming for victory. It’s always a pleasure facing Márquez, and I hope for an enthralling game that the fans will relish,” stated Vukomanović.

Kerala Blasters’ league standing and reflections

Reflecting on their current league standing after eight matches, the Serbian emphasized the team’s long-term perspective. “Our progress, securing the top position with 17 points, is part of a continuous journey. While it’s gratifying, it’s just the beginning of a demanding season with 22 games. Our focus remains on consistent competitiveness and nurturing young talent,” he said.

“The club’s management, players, and fans are aligned, contributing to our success over the past three years. It’s a source of joy as a coach to see the team consistently competing at the top, motivating to continue our journey,” he expressed, recognizing the collective effort behind the team’s success.

Peprah’s first ISL goal and Vukomanović’s Praise

Forward Kwame Peprah, who recently notched his first goal in the ISL, shared his sentiments on breaking his scoring drought. “It’s a great feeling for me. It’s been quite a while since the league began, and I’ve been really hungry, doing everything I can to help the club succeed. So getting my first goal brings me a lot of excitement and motivates me to aim for more.”

Ivan Vukomanović lauded Peprah’s abilities, recognizing his potential as a dynamic threat on the field. “Kwame is a real danger for defenders; his skills and relentless drive make him a valuable asset. Despite a delayed pre-season and adapting to a new environment, we always had faith in him. He consistently poses a threat to opponents and will undoubtedly score more goals in the upcoming matches,” the tactician asserted.

Lessons from recent matches

Analyzing the recent match against Chennaiyin FC where Kerala Blasters conceded three early goals, Vukomanović addressed concerns regarding the team’s defence.

“The goals conceded were due to a lack of concentration right from the start. It’s crucial to avoid errors as a team, a common occurrence in ISL matches. Reducing these mistakes and handling critical moments better is key to success. Chennai performed well in the first half, transitioning effectively. However, our team showed resilience after half time,” he mentioned.

“I don’t see a problem in our defence but rather attribute it to the quality of our opponents. Every visiting team aims for their best performance here, motivated by the atmosphere. We need to minimize these situations to succeed. It’s about reducing errors and maintaining consistency and strength,” he stressed.

Strategic player rotation and squad competition

Discussing player rotations and team strategies, Ivan Vukomanović highlighted the importance of managing the squad’s fitness and readiness for matches. “We strategically rotate players to maintain their rhythm and prevent injuries. The well-being of our players is paramount. Our focus is to prevent unnecessary strain that could lead to injuries. We prioritize the well-being of our players, ensuring everyone remains available for the challenges ahead,” he emphasized.

Touching on the competitive environment within the team, the head coach acknowledged the challenge of squad selection. “In football, only a limited number of players can start. It’s about managing choices and competition within the squad. Sandeep (Singh), like everyone else, has showcased their abilities, but selections are based on team’s needs,” he explained.

Peprah’s learning experience and coach’s guidance

Kwame Peprah expressed his learning experience playing alongside seasoned players like Dimitrios Diamantakos and Adrian Luna. He said, “Playing alongside Dimitrios Diamantakos and Adrian Luna is a great learning experience for me in the Indian Super League. The team’s support is immense, and I’m thrilled to be part of Kerala Blasters, a unified squad.

“Working under coach Ivan Vukomanović is fantastic; he’s supportive, motivational, and always there to guide us through mistakes. I’m truly happy to play under his guidance,” Peprah concluded.

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