'I like being at Kerala Blasters' - Ivan Vukomanovic hints on his future at club

Ivan Vukomanovic also shared an important update on Adrian Luna’s return.

Kerala Blasters are set to face Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on 30 March 2024 in their next Indian Super League fixture. The 2023-24 season is heading towards an exciting end with the Yellow Army nearly over the line in their quest of securing a playoff spot.

Ivan Vukomanovic took part in the pre-match press conference ahead of a crucial clash with the Men of Steel and talked about his future with Kerala Blasters, the possibility of seeing Adrian Luna back in action and more. He was joined by former Jamshedpur FC forward Ishan Pandita who also shared his opinion on playing against his former employers. 

Here is a look at the excerpts from the media interaction:

Putting rumours to rest

Ivan Vukomanovic was quick to dismiss any talk of him possibly moving away from Kerala Blasters in the future. In this context, he said, “We have a contract. I like being at Kerala Blasters. It is my honour and I am proud to be part of such a great club. There is nothing certain about the fake rumours regarding me going out.” 

Update on Adrian Luna

The tactician provided an update on Adrian Luna and his chances of featuring for Kerala Blasters against Jamshedpur FC. He said, “No, he is not ready to play in this kind of game. He started practising more than 10 days ago with the staff and a couple of days ago with us on certain topics of the training sessions. It is still risky, so we will choose the right moment (for Luna’s return) because it will not be clever to take a huge risk of throwing him in when he is still not ready.”

Vision for the national team

Ivan Vukomanvic suggested that to strengthen the Indian football team, focus needs to be put on developing youngsters. “If you want your national team to compete on serious levels like the qualifiers of the World Cup, you must build up at least one or two very good young national teams. It means the U-17 and U-19 levels. These guys will grow up, arrive in the national team, play in the ISL and maybe one day some of them will get a chance to play abroad,” he said.

Ishan Pandita’s ambitions 

Ishan Pandita expressed excitement upon playing against his former side Jamshedpur FC. He also shared his opinion on the prospect of replacing Sunil Chhetri after his retirement. He said, “It always feels nice to be back to a place where you have played and competed in. I am looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”

“I will always say yes. There will be a big spot that becomes open which needs to be filled after he (Sunil Chhetri) is done playing. It is anybody’s opportunity and I will do my best. Hopefully, I can take that place,” he said in regards to succeeding Chhetri in the Indian men’s national team.

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