We want to approach playoffs with strong team, says Kerala Blasters boss Ivan Vukomanovic

Ivan Vukomanovic shed light on the availability of Adrian Luna and Dimitrios Diamantakos.

Kerala Blasters are set to face Hyderabad FC at Gachibowli Stadium in their final match of the season in the Indian Super League (ISL). With a spot already secured in the playoffs, the Blasters are aiming for a positive result to bolster their confidence.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC see this match as an opportunity to end their season on a high note with some positive performances from their young Indian brigade. Head coach Ivan Vukomanovic addressed the media ahead of the crucial encounter. Let’s dive deep into the excerpts.

Approaching the game with enthusiasm

Ivan Vukomanovic began by expressing the team’s approach to the game stating, “We approach this game with a smile and motivation as well a big enthusiasm to close down the chapter with a positive note.” He emphasized the importance of giving playing time to young players, highlighting their determination to prove themselves on the field. “Especially the players who didn’t receive that much time in the season, it’s very important for them to get the playing time,” he added.

Ivan Vukomanovic, while reflecting on the team’s performance and preparations, emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive momentum heading into the playoffs. He stated, “I want the team to be in a positive shape and a positive rhythm ahead of the playoffs.”

The coach acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries, remarking, “Some players are recovering from the injuries from the past matches. We want to approach the playoffs with a strong team to compete to get a positive result.”

Schedule issues

Highlighting the demanding schedule and its toll on players’ fitness, Ivan Vukomanovic urged league authorities to consider the implications of fixture congestion. He clarified, “If the fixtures don’t allow you to get ready as a team then what’s the point? Players are getting so exhausted with these fixtures because of travel, climate, and hectic schedule which causes eight flights in seven days.”

Injury woes and squad decisions

Regarding the availability of key players, Vukomanović provided key updates on Ardian Luna and Dimitrios Diamantakos. He mentioned, “There’s a possibility that Luna will travel with us to get some minutes. But we will also consider the fact that Luna has three yellow cards.” This decision underscores the careful consideration given to player fitness and disciplinary concerns.

Unfortunately, Dimi is sidelined due to injury, as Vukomanović explained, “Dimi is with the medical team now, he’s not training. He won’t travel to Hyderabad with the team. We are hoping that he’ll join the training next week, but since we go into playoffs directly, his return could be doubtful.” The absence of Dimi poses a challenge for the Blasters, but they remain optimistic about his potential return in the subsequent stages of the competition.

In terms of the goalkeeping position, the tactician hinted at Lara Sharma guarding the net against Hyderabad FC. The Kerala boss mentioned, “Most probably we’ll see Lara in the goal against Hyderabad FC. Lara had a difficult season. His father passed away. The last time he played was somewhere in October 2022. He’s on loan but we’ll see later if there’s any possibility of signing him permanently.”

Team Spirit and Player Determination

Regarding Kerala Blasters’ feat of qualifying for the playoffs for the third consecutive season, Ivan Vukomanović credited the collective effort of the entire club. He emphasized, “It’s not about the coach or any single player, it’s about the whole unit including technical, as well as the medical staff. It’s a group of people working together.”

Looking ahead to the match against Hyderabad FC, the mentor affirmed the team’s commitment to giving their best. He elucidated, “There is nothing to calculate for playoffs, it’s just a game where we will give our best. In the end, whether you win or lose, we don’t want any regret.”

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