Kerala Blasters assistant coach dismisses relegation concerns after Punjab FC loss

Kerala Blasters are yet to defeat Punjab FC at home

Kerala Blasters FC suffered a 1-3 defeat to Punjab FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday, with the visitors doing most of the damage in the first half.

Punjab FC made an early breakthrough when Samir Zeljkovic found the net in the sixth minute, finishing off a forward move after being played through on goal. The away side doubled its lead in the 17th minute, with Osuji capitalizing on space inside the box to slot home.

Punjab added a third in the 37th minute when Dani Ramirez headed in from close range after the ball came back off the crossbar, giving the visitors a comfortable cushion at the break.

The second half saw a more purposeful approach from Kerala Blasters, who pushed higher up the pitch and looked to create opportunities through wider areas.

The home side pulled one back in the 64th minute, with Fallou heading in from close range after reacting to a rebound inside the box.

Kerala continued to search for a way back into the contest, but Punjab remained organised defensively and limited clear chances in the final third.

Despite eight minutes of added time, Kerala Blasters were unable to add to their tally as Punjab FC held on to secure all three points.

Following the loss, Kerala Blasters FC Assistant Coach, Chandrashekar Rao Chinta addressed the media.

Here is a detailed report of the post-match press conference between Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC.

Are the Blasters afraid of relegation?

With the season almost approaching its halfway mark, Blasters are just with one point in hand and in the 13th position of the group table, a spot very vulnerable to relegation.

Even though the Blasters management initially reassured that the team would not be relegated this season, in this situation, Chandrashekar Rao Chinta was asked whether the team was afraid of relegation.

“We are not afraid right now, we have an international break, I think we can regroup where we can really come strong. So right now we are not afraid of relegation,” answered the coach

Thoughts about the match

Chandrashekar Rao was asked about his thoughts on the match and the three goals. Additionally, he was also asked whether the lack of attendance in the stadium correlated with the team’s performance, to which he answered.

“I think we fought back, I think, the only thing, we will get better from whatever has happened. It’s a team performance. But whatever the break we have, the same thing, we will regroup and really come back stronger. I think so that (does the fan support affect the club). Yes, this is a home team, and I think we have to perform so that the fans will come, and I think we will do that.”

On the five-back formation

Blasters started as a five-back, then at the 30th minute they made a substitution, then the game changed, and in the second half the team played better. The gaffer was asked whether he thinks that five-back was the reason for the attack that came from the Punjab team. He answered.

“I think we had worked on both the things, I think, it worked well sometimes, it worked. Okay, so I don’t think that the formation sometimes doesn’t change. It is sometimes the team together that we feel that, so I don’t blame the players”

On defensive lapses and the struggle to attack

David Catala repeatedly has mentioned in his press conferences that they are working more on the defense. According to him, if the defensive unit is proper, goals are bound to come. However, in all their previous matches, Blasters have been failing in the defense and struggling to score goals.

Additionally, foreigners are brought because they have a much better stamina than the Indian players. However, the Blasters are not making full use of their foreigners. In the match against Punjab, only two foreigners made their name in the starting eleven. When asked was this because of the lack of fitness or as a part of a plan, he answered.

“For sure, I believe that we have really worked well, and I think this break is really important. I think this break will really change for us, and whatever we have planned, I think we will come very strong in this. No, it’s according to the plan (fielding just two foreigners)” 

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