Mikael Stahre delineates three key plans ahead of Bengaluru FC showdown in ISL

The Tuskers take on the Blues at home for the Southern Derby.

Mikael Stahre’s Kerala Blasters are set to battle their rivals Bengaluru FC in their third home fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi promises a power-packed atmosphere, with home fans fuelled by the intense heat and rich history of the Southern Derby.

The Blues will aim to extend their unbeaten run in the league, while a victory could move the Blasters up to third place in the table.

The Blasters come into this fixture in winning form having defeated Mohammedan SC in their previous fixture. Mikael Stahre shared his thoughts on facing Bengaluru returning from a victory and stated, “This upcoming game is completely different. We’re playing at home and hopefully in front of a full stadium with lots of energy. We are facing the number one team in the table. We were positive in training and I’m optimistic about the game.”

On facing the league’s best defence

Bengaluru FC are the league leaders and have yet to concede a single goal in the tournament. Mikael Stahre, on his team’s chances against such a strong opponent, said, “We know they’re a good team, and they haven’t conceded a goal yet. Hopefully, tomorrow that changes and that’s our target. We have to play energetic and smart. I believe we are creating better chemistry every single day. We need to attack fast, but also maintain possession.”

“My focus is not on the opponent, but on preparing our team and players to develop a style of play that integrates both players and the fans. We want to play an energetic game that the fans can resonate with. That’s the goal for every home game,” opined Mikael Stahre.

ALSO READ: Kerala Blasters FC vs Bengaluru FC: All-time head-to-head record

Gameplan for the derby

The Blaster’s head coach was asked if he had a specific game plan in mind against Bengaluru FC. Mikael Stahre replied, “First of all, you have your principles in the team, and then you use certain formations. It’s more about your principles and how you want to approach football in general. We want to play with intensity, a fast game, a compact team, and show our spirit on the pitch.

“For every single game, you have a specific game plan. But overall, 80% is based on your core principles, and around 20% is small adjustments for each game. That’s how it’s been so far, and it will continue to be that way.”

“We faced them in the Durand Cup quarter-finals. They were better, but we fought hard until we lost in the dying seconds from a corner kick. I believe we’re a much stronger team now than we were back then. It will be a hard home game for us tomorrow but a tricky away game for them as well. We will make some adjustments, and the opposition will likely make a few changes as well. It’s normal,” replied the gaffer.

Mikael Stahre, commented on the intensity of the derby, “I know it’s an intense rivalry but I expect everyone to be on their best behavior. We want to focus on playing a beautiful game and the passion on the pitch.”

Squad status and injury concerns for the fixture

The manager was asked about the squad status for the fixture, to which Mikael Stahre replied, “In football, it’s normal to have some uncertainties, with 10% of the group’s availability always in question. If someone can’t play, I have other options ready.

“We have some excellent young players. I assure you that we’ll have a strong starting and ending lineup tomorrow. The starting lineup and the ending lineup are crucial for us. That means that everyone must be on their toes and ready to participate and bring energy to the club.”

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.