TG Purushothaman shares his thoughts on Kerala Blasters FC season after their final home game victory

The Tuskers will be facing Hyderabad FC in their final game of the league season.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Kerala Blasters FC and head coach TG Purushothaman wrapped up their home campaign with a morale boasting 1-0 win over defending champions Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Despite being already out of the race for the upcoming playoffs, the victory gives them the much-needed confidence as they look to end on a high and get ready for the Super Cup 2025, which gets underway in Bhubaneswar from April 21, 2025.

The tournament will feature 16 teams, including 13 ISL clubs and three I-League clubs, in a knockout format. The Super Cup winners will earn a spot in the 2025-26 AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) playoffs, making the tournament crucial for the teams that are motivated with an opportunity to play continental football.

TG Purushothaman’s tactical changes helped seal the victory

Speaking to the media after their win, interim head coach T. G. Purushothaman credited his players and the part played by subtle tactical tweaks made during the second half.

While talking about his changes, he stated, “It was just about making small tactical changes to dominate the midfield, play forward, and stay in the opponent’s half. Honestly, there was nothing much to tell these guys because we have a quality side. Unfortunately, some moments went against us in certain matches, especially the bad referee decisions that also hurt us.”

Purushothaman feels Kerala Blasters FC can win some silverware this season

Despite having a lackluster ISL campaign, Purushothaman stressed that the team’s mentality is still firmly on completing the season with some silverware.

While talking about their chances of a trophy-winning season, he stated, “Consider if we had won the last match and this match, the next match would have been a game for the playoffs. It’s not about me, credit to the players. These are top-class players and they should be further up. Hopefully, we can finish strongly in the last game and focus on the Super Cup.”

The tournament provides the Blasters a new opportunity to end their trophy less run. With the team being out of the ISL playoffs, lifting the Super Cup will open doors to continental football, an achievement which will comfort the club’s loyal fanbase, Manjappada, and their hearts after a difficult season.

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The Blasters are looking to win the Super Cup this season

Kerala Blasters’ final ISL match will be away to Chennaiyin FC, where they will aim to end their season on a positive note, before turning their attention to the 2025 Super Cup.

When asked what the club needs to do in order to be title contenders next season, Purushothaman noted, “It’s all about playing good football, getting results, competing with the top teams, and winning matches. That’s it. Positive results will follow if we stick to that. It’s all about consistency and belief, and we’ll push forward in a promising way.”

The Tuskers are ready to prove themselves via the Super Cup

Striker Kwame Peprah, who played a key role in his side’s 1-0 win over Mumbai City FC, shared his hopeful aspirations before the competition. He stated, “This win will encourage us to prepare for Super Cup. We looking forward to be in final stage of Super Cup & claim the Cup.”

The upcoming Super Cup is not just a chance at domestic title, it’s a stepping stone to continental representation and building winning momentum ahead of next season. A good performance would earn the club a potential place in the ACL2 Playoffs, where they can test themselves against some of Asia’s finest teams.

With Purushothaman at the helm now and the team eager to end the season on a high, all eyes now turn to Bhubaneswar. A solid ending against Chennaiyin FC prior to focusing their attention on the Super Cup. The one they trust will finish with a trophy and a ticket to Asia.

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