Mikael Stahre highlights two 'key takeaways' from Kerala Blasters loss against Hyderabad FC

Mikael Stahre also gave some updates on the fitness of players.

Kerala Blasters slumped to their second defeat at home in succession, sliding deep into worse form in front of a hopeful home crowd. The struggles just remain on, and with the result, they are still at the lower part of the Indian Super League (ISL) table.

Head coach Mikael Stahre faced the media in the post-match press conference after the defeat and sounded disappointed with the team’s display while also highlighting some vital moments that shaped the outcome.

“Kourou Singh Thingujam has shown great skill and energy on the flanks for the Blasters. He’s a big talent, having impressed us in both training sessions and reserve games since returning from the national team.

“Against Mumbai, he integrated well into the match, which made it an easy choice for me to start him here. Subbing him out was a straightforward decision—he was fatigued, low on energy, and carrying a yellow card, so it was a no-brainer. You’ll certainly see more of him in future games,” Mikael Stahre explained.

Reflecting on the game overall, Mikael Stahre shared, “We came out strong and executed our game plan well, using the wide areas and creating one-on-one opportunities, which led to our first goal. We controlled much of the first half, but the 1-1 equalizer came out of nowhere.

“In the second half, conceding the penalty was tough; it drained us and disrupted our composure. That decision impacted us significantly, as we began to lose our focus, make mistakes, and lose control of the game.

“I’m not usually one to criticize referees, but the penalty decision felt unwarranted. Unfortunately, it changed the course of the game, and while we need to improve, that moment took a toll on our performance.”

ALSO READ: Gerard Zaragoza outlines two factors that could determine the outcome of NorthEast United clash in ISL

Takeaways

Analyzing the match, Mikael Stahre commended the initial execution of play by the team while stating that they were playing the game as planned down the flanks. The tactician stated, “I think we came out well and played exactly like the game plan we addressed. We used the wide areas and created lots of chances.”

“Then we changed, we put in no one in the second half, of course, it was a disappointment to consider that goal quite late. Then I have to admit that this penalty drained us. We had to see ourselves in the mirror and we had to perform better, but that decision to give them a penalty in that moment was hard for us.

“We got stressed after that and we lost the calmness on the ball, we were stressed, we made too many mistakes, we were hanging up too wide, just waiting for the ball, so everyone wanted to score the final goal instead of first equalize and then score the final goal,” Mikael Stahre explained.

In the case of Kerala Blasters struggling to get out from the bottom of the league, Stahre looks forward to a committed response from the team in the forthcoming matches and asserted his belief in young players like Thingujam, who continue to evolve and help the team cause optimism.

Injury concerns

Mikael Stahre also concluded, “Ishan Pandita and Prabir Das, both are injured and are getting closer to a comeback.”

The Kerala Blasters’ underwhelming performances reflect individual and structural challenges, missed chances, lapses in defence, and difficulty coping with difficult decisions on the field.

Stahre remains hopeful that the Blasters can bounce back by focusing on their strengths while addressing defensive frailties.

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.