Eelco Schattorie: The chances of top-four finish are still open

The Blasters are seven points shy of the fourth spot with six games still to play.

Kerala Blasters will look to continue their impressive run in the Indian Super League when they face eighth-placed Jamshedpur FC at JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday. The Southern outfit have started 2020 on a brighter note, winning two games they have played so far. Coach Eelco Schattorie will be hoping to collect another three points on Sunday against the Men of Steel and keep their top-four hopes alive. Ahead of the crucial fixture, Kerala Blasters' head coach Eelco Schattorie addressed the media in Jamshedpur. The chances of a top-four finish are still open but Schattorie has his focus set on Sunday's fixture and said he moves game by game. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

On top-four chances

“I think the chances are still open. I think the teams above us, they will still drop some points. But to be honest, I don’t focus on the fourth spot. I focus on Jamshedpur, and the game after that [against] Goa, and the game after that [ against] Chennai. So I move game by game. Hopefully every time [we will get] three points,” Eelco Schattorie told the media. “I don’t believe in life and football to look at things that are far ahead, because you don’t control them. You only control what you’re facing today. You can of course think a little bit ahead. But normally I don’t do. I try to focus on what we are doing now and what we will eventually get, we’ll see,” the coach added.

On ISL Club Coaches' Forum

ISL had recently conducted a meeting of ISL coaches wherein the gaffers provided opinions regarding how to improve the game in the country. When asked about that, Schattorie lauded the idea, explained why it is necessary and asserted he is confident the authorities will act. “I said before the season started, the coaches should meet at least twice a year, in my opinion, to evaluate the season, what things should be improved. In the end, only the coaches, they can have a good objective view on the game." "It’s actually good to take feedback from people who are working on the pitch. It’s good they organized this meeting and get feedback from our side. They will do something with it. I’m sure they do. I’m very very positive,” the former Northeast United FC gaffer opined.

On injury concerns

Injuries have been a concern for Kerala Blasters this season. The absence of some key players have had a negative impact on Blasters' performance this season. Schattorie still does not have a fully fit squad available for selection against Jamshedpur FC. "As always yes," the coach revealed when asked about injury concerns. However, the coach did not reveal any further details. The coach was asked, in particular, whether defender Gianni Zuiverloon would play. However, he did not delve into the details and said they would see tomorrow. Eelco Schattorie has been served a show-cause notice by AIFF Disciplinary Committee, 'seeking an explanation for misconduct' during Blasters' match against ATK FC. Responding to a question regarding the same, the coach maintained he had not done anything wrong. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="RELATED NEWS | ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Team News

Kerala Blasters don't have a fully fit squad available for selection.

Head-To-Head

Kerala Blasters FC and Jamshedpur FC have faced each other five times. The Red Miners have one victory to their name, while four games ended in a stalemate.

Predicted Lineup

Rehenesh (GK); Rakip, Vlatko, Hakku, Jessel; Narzary, Arques, Gning, Seityasen; Messi, Ogbeche

Broadcast

The game will commence from 7:30 PM IST on Sunday. The match will telecast live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD. It will also be available to stream on Hotstar and Jio TV.