Essential to score at right moment, which we lacked in the last game: Frank Dauwen

Frank Dauwen also spoke of Punjab FC’s quality up front.

The eve of the Indian Super League (ISL) encounter between Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC looms on December 14th at the historic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, witnessed an insightful pre-match press conference. Assistant coach Frank Dauwen represented Kerala Blasters, shedding light on their strategies and preparations for the upcoming game on December 14th.

Ivan Vukomanovic has been suspended for this game, but Frank Dauwen’s comments weren’t less enthusiastic. Excerpts are below:

Reflecting on the previous encounter

After a recent setback against FC Goa with a 1-0 scoreline, the media questioned Dauwen about the team’s approach when facing struggling opponents like Punjab FC. Dauwen emphasized the team’s commitment to offensive football but acknowledged the challenges posed by resilient opponents.

He stated, “We typically begin competitions well, aiming for offensive football, creating and capitalizing on chances. However, against tough opponents like FC Goa, who’ve only conceded three goals, creating opportunities becomes challenging. We must capitalize on the few chances we get. It’s essential to score at the right moment, which we lacked in the last game.”

Addressing the team’s defensive balance, the tactician asserted, “We need to maintain patience, seize opportunities with better timing, balancing offensive play with a solid defense. Despite giving space away at times, our intention as Kerala Blasters remains offensive football. Improvements in this balance will be key in the future.”

Analyzing the opponent – Punjab FC

When asked about the strategy against Punjab FC, who exhibited commendable performances in their last two games, Frank Dauwen highlighted the opponent’s good organization and quality forwards. He commented, “Observing their last three games, Punjab begin with good organization and possess quality forwards. They aim for compact play and transitions despite conceding goals. They possess quality offensive players, allowing them to score while conceding.”

Team selection

Regarding potential changes in the lineup, especially considering Punjab’s recent form, Dauwen noted the team’s depth and emphasized that selections depend on training performances. “We have more options this year due to a strong squad and talented players on the bench. The best-performing players will earn their place in the starting lineup,” he mentioned.

The spotlight then turned to the potential participation of Marko Lešković in the next match. Dauwen confirmed Lešković’s return from a lengthy injury, praising his training intensity. He stated, “Marko Lešković is returning from a long injury and has been training well, showing good intensity. He deserves game-time to regain form.”

Climate adaptation in Delhi

Lastly, concerns were raised about the climate change in Delhi compared to Kerala and its potential impact on the team’s performance. Frank Dauwen, acknowledging the unfamiliar climate, expressed confidence in the players’ fitness and preparation. “This will be my first time in Delhi, and the climate change might affect us, but our players have trained well. We hope they are fit and prepared for a tough game, even in different weather conditions,” he concluded.

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