Ivan Vukomanovic shares 'big' update on Adrian Luna

Kerala Blasters boss Ivan Vukomanovic also spoke about trying to play in an adventurous way in big matches.

Kerala Blasters FC face a stern test in their next 2023-24 Indian Super League fixture as Mohun Bagan Super Giant come calling at the JLN Stadium in Kochi on 13 March 2024. In their last outing, the Yellow Army suffered a shocking defeat against a struggling Bengaluru FC side.

During the pre-match press conference, Ivan Vukomanovic talked about small margins, the competitive nature of the league and trying to play an attractive brand of football in big matches. He also provided an update on Adrian Luna and other injured players, as they work towards regaining full fitness. The head coach was joined by experienced defender Pritam Kotal in the interaction.

Here are the excerpts from the conversation:

Expectation from the match

Ivan Vukomanovic spoke about expecting roller-coaster moments from the match against the Mariners considering how his team always tries to create something interesting from crucial fixtures. “It is never boring with us whenever it comes to big games. We always try to create roller-coaster and interesting moments during such games and I expect the same from the fixture tomorrow. Both teams are motivated, want to win the game and fight for the top spot in the table,” the boss explained.

Analysing the last two results

Kerala Blasters FC produced an incredible comeback to win 4-2 against FC Goa before losing to Bengaluru FC in their previous ISL outing. Speaking on these contrasting results, the tactician said, “In the last game, our opponents played one of the best games of their season. It is also about quality where a player can shoot the ball perfectly in the corner; these kinds of things make a difference. Even before that goal, there were situations where we could have scored but the decision-making in the last stages creates the difference.”

“The games are always different and as a team, you want to secure your defensive line as compared to the previous game where you conceded two goals in the first half,” the head coach further added.

An update on Adrian Luna

Ivan Vukomanovic gave an encouraging update on the status of Adrian Luna who has been sidelined for much of the season due to an injury. He said, “From 15th (March), we will have (Adrian) Luna back with us. Starting with the training sessions with the medical staff first and then we will see, in the next 10 days, probably in April, if he can be fully with the team. Then (Jaushua) Sotirio probably is coming soon to join the team until the end. Sachin (Suresh) will go for surgery in the next couple of days on his shoulder. Hopefully, we lose nobody else by the end of the season.”

Pritam Kotal on the preparations

Pritam Kotal, who has previously played for Mohun Bagan, talked about being ready for a match where winning three points is vital for the Yellow Army. He said, “Every match is important for us now. Mohun Bagan are a very good team. We all are prepared considering the training we have done in the last few days. We will try to give our best and win the three points, especially at our home ground. We need the three points tomorrow.”

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