Eelco Schattorie: I want to succeed here at Kerala Blasters next year

The Dutchman lauded Jessel Carneiro for the progress he has made this season.

Kerala Blasters will host league rivals Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on Saturday. With the Yellow Army set to play their final home game, head coach Eelco Schattorie addressed the media in a pre-match press conference on Friday.

On plans for final two games

"Very simple, two wins. There is not one game where your inside thinking is 'let's see, maybe we will try to win or we go for a draw.' No, I always go for a win, with whatever team is available. I'm a very sore loser, always taking a few days to get above a loss. So, the next game, the first thing is to get the three points and the last thing is to grab the three points," Eelco Schattorie said. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] "Having said that, of course because there is no ranking, as in no chance for the top four spots, the qualification is not possible anymore. So, you are dependent on the motivation of the players. That means it is always difficult to motivate somebody if you don't have to fight for the qualification," he explained.

On playing more Indian players in the lineup

"Which will have more chance of winning? If I put eleven Indians and if that is not the case. I will put, with ones that are available, the best possible combination that gives me the most chance of winning. We are not here for charity, we are not here just giving people chances, for the sake of giving chances. We are playing professional football and I want to win," the Dutchman quipped.

On Jessel Carneiro

"Jessel played last years in Goa Pro League, that is not even I-League. His basic qualities are there, he learned quickly and till now he is fit. He had few assists, fantastic personality and has made a lot of progress. All players have made progress, but Jessel stands out the most in my opinion," Eelco Schattorie lauded. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

On Messi Bouli-Ogbeche Partnership

Eelco Schattorie also threw light on how there was criticism when the club signed Raphael Messi Bouli before the season. The criticism was mainly because of the number of goals the forward had struck for his previous club. "In the early games of the season, I took Messi Bouli in the team as the main striker because Bartholomew was injured. Then when he came back, there were questions whether he and Messi Bouli can play together upfront. But, in the next 4-5 games, we worked upon that too."

On Bengaluru FC

"I played Bengaluru last year three times, four times - won once, drew one, lost twice. We had lost the last time in the previous campaign because we had Bartholomew, Federico (Gallego) and (Rowllin) Borges injured. But, I know exactly how to beat them. I know their tactics. I know their weaknesses, but their strength is that they have been an absolute top team in the league in their six years of existence. Structurally, they have something in the club that they are doing well and there is right formula," the Kerala Blasters head coach elucidated. "One of three things I pick out is, they are mentally strong. They have physical power and all credit to the coach. They have scored most through set-pieces, which can win you games even when you don't play well," Eelco Schattorie said.

On Injuries This Season and Fans' Support

"The moment I started here, we had a fantastic team and could have competed for the top four. Unfortunately, we had 16 games in a row with different lineups. Not because I wanted to change it, but because I had to. That is due to the injuries. The reasons for these injuries will be discussed internally once." "I can say for 1000%, I always try to get the results for the club. I am humble and very honoured for the support from fans. For the supporters who stand behind us in all good and bad times, its their right to know the things that are going on. I am very happy to see the fans are seeing the good things that can bring upon change in the future." [KH_ADWORDS type="2" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

On future with Blasters

"We will see. I wouldn't mind being here at all. What I started, I would like to finish. I am a very proud person, my heart is on the table. I want to succeed with the club, as I said, I am a sore loser. My intention is always to work hard and hopefully next year it is here, at Kerala Blasters," Eelco Schattorie stated.

Bartholomew Ogbeche on goalscoring form

"I say thanks to my teammates that I was able to score so many goals. We are disappointed not be a part of one of the playoffs. But, like I said, thanks to my teammates that I have been able to be on the scoresheet more often," said Bartholomew Ogbeche.

Team News

Star forward Raphael Messi Bouli is set to return after having served his suspension and could go straight into the lineup. Rahul KP returned from injury and made an appearance from the bench in the last game and could get a start this time around.

Head-To-Head

Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC have met five times in the ISL. The Blasters are yet to beat the Blues in this fixture, having lost four of them. One game ended in a draw. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Predicted Lineup

Bilal, Rakip, Zuiverloon, Drobarov, Jessel, Jeakson, Cidoncha, Rahul, Seityasen, Messi Bouli, Ogbeche.

Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network from 7:30 PM IST on Saturday. It can also be streamed live on Hotstar and Jio TV.