We have already qualified but are taking these games seriously, asserts Kerala Blasters boss Ivan Vukomanovic

Ivan Vukomanovic also stated the difficulty of playing away without the fans.

The Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters FC finds itself on the road once again as it prepares to face NorthEast United at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. Ivan Vukomanovic’s men have already qualified for the 2023-24 season’s playoffs and are likely to give exposure to young players in the remaining matches.

The tactician confirmed in his interaction with the media representatives that the outfit will be giving rest to key players including the foreigners considering the recent hectic schedule. Goalkeeper Lara Sharma also joined him in the pre-match press conference and talked about focusing on winning the upcoming matches to find a positive mindset heading into the playoffs.

Here are the excerpts from the conversation.

Relying on young players

Ivan Vukomanovic hinted that due to the hectic schedule and the fact that the side is already in the playoffs, one could see fresh faces in the lineup against NorthEast United. Talking about what can be expected from the contest, he said, “It is always a tough away game so far away from Kochi, especially seeing the fact we played two matches in the last seven days including an away game at Jamshedpur.

A couple of changes, new names, guys who will make their debut and seeing young players taking their first steps in the ISL, wanting to get playing times for their development in future.”

“We will try to get the best out of it. We have qualified already for the playoffs so we want to get some positive moments, especially for the young boys ahead of the playoffs,” the head coach further explained.

Missing foreigners

The tactician confirmed that Kerala Blasters FC has traveled without most of their foreign players as there is no need for them to take a risk after a hectic schedule of late. “There are a couple of them but many of them will not take part in tomorrow’s game. No need for that because travel to Jamshedpur was exhausting. Because of that we could not practice and lost a couple (of players) to injuries and some of them needed to rest and refresh,” Vukomanovic clarified.

On the Highlanders

Ivan Vukomanovic is not underestimating NorthEast United and considers them a tough team to face away from home. He said, “It is a team that suffered in the past a lot with new staff and coach. They have a good approach and some new good players. They have created a nice environment and have all the qualities (to reach the playoffs). It is a tough team especially when they are playing at home.”

Focused on the game

Kerala Blasters FC’s goalkeeper Lara Sharma, who might be part of the lineup against the Highlanders, talked about being ready for the upcoming matches. He said, “We have already qualified but we are taking these games seriously. We are focused on them as these two games will give us positive energy for the playoffs which we are ready for.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.