ISL 2025-26: David Catala shares words of optimism ahead of the Inter Kashi FC clash

Kerala Blasters will play Inter Kashi FC for the first-time ever

Kerala Blasters FC are all set to lock horns against the debutants, Inter Kashi FC, on the 28th of February 2026 at 5:00 PM IST at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.

Following two disappointing losses against Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC, the Blasters are not in their best form in this edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). They are now geared to face the newly promoted, reigning I-League champions, Inter Kashi FC, who are on a commendable form, drawing two of their matches, notably one against FC Goa.

As both teams face each other in this highly anticipated encounter, a win would be the only option for both clubs to have a relatively smooth season forward.

Ahead of the match, Kerala Blasters FC head coach addressed the media. Here is a detailed report of the pre-match press conference between Kerala Blasters FC and Inter Kashi FC.

On what needs to be done

In the last game against Mumbai City FC, the Blasters dominated in the initial minutes of the game. Everything looked well and good for the Blasters until they came to the last third, where they failed to test the opponents. When questioned about what needs to be done to improve the conversion rate in the final third, Catala said.

“Yes, it’s true that in last game we did really good things in attack. But still, we need to be better in the final third. We need to bring more, and of course, the players are working their best for that, but we still need to improve. But for me, in the last game, in the defense, we need to be stronger, compact as a team, and in that game, we lost organization. Those are the small details we are working on these days, and we have to be better if we want victory in the next games”

Positives from the match against Mumbai City FC

When asked about the positives from the match against Mumbai City FC, Catala said that the Blasters played without fear in the initial 30 minutes of the game.

However, as the game progressed, this gradually decreased. He added that the team needed to maintain this mentality to win games, and they are currently working on it, and the players are on the right pathway.

“Yes, this has to be the mentality of the players. I think we showed from the first minute that we have to win the game, we played the first 25-30 minutes very good. We need to keep this level throughout the 90 minutes, and I hope we can do that in the upcoming games. The team is working hard and the mentality of the players is in the correct way.”

About Inter Kashi FC

When asked about his expectations on Inter Kashi FC, the gaffer answered.

“Inter Kashi are really good, really compact. They are doing a good defensive work, they are compact. They have not conceded any goals. You can see against Goa, how difficult they had to try to attack, and we expect the same kind of game. They will keep on attacking. But we have to be more determined in the last third, we have to break lines, to play faster with the ball, have a high rhythm and break their defensive lines. They are good in mid and low block and will be difficult, but I am pretty sure that players will do their best”

On foreigners and adaptability

Catala was questioned about the foreigners and how they were adapting to the Indian conditions in such a short span of time, to which the gaffer replied that even though it is not the best of scenarios, he is working hard to ensure that the players are getting adapted as fast as possible.

He later added that, in this short period of time, even though he could not go to advanced levels, he wished to instill a basic framework within the players, which will help them to compete.

“It’s not the best scenario. I always say we should have more time to train and have a good preseason. I don’t want to repeat this, as these are excuses that I put on the team. Okay, it is the reality that you have. We have to adapt as much as we can, as fast as we can. To give simple things to the players, at least the basics, and later we will have time to train and improve in more aspects.”

“But the important thing is that in this short season, at least to have the basics, to give them formation fast and adapt with the concepts and teammates. It is not easy, I don’t want to make excuses, it is not my personality”

Plans for the starting eleven and formation

When Catala was asked about the formation and starting eleven plans for the upcoming match, the manager answered,

“I, to be honest, like to play with three on the back; we can have many options. But I always say, it depends on the kind of players we have on the team, on how I see the players can play in a good formation, but also, we can see. I don’t want to give any piece to the opponents before the game, and we can see”

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