Kibu Vicuna: We've used one striker so far, can also use 2 or 3 strikers

The Spaniard along with defender Nishu Kumar spoke about the team's preparations ahead of the Southern Derby.

On Sunday, Kerala Blasters will take on Bengaluru FC in an away fixture in the Indian Super League (ISL). Having played four matches so far this, the Yellow Army are yet to find their first win and are placed ninth on the league table. A day before the match, head coach Kibu Vicuna and defender Nishu Kumar spoke to the media about various topics including their opponents, the winless streak and much more.

On the possibility of shifting to a two-striker system

In each of the four matches that the Blasters played so far, Kibu Vicuna used a lone striker up front. Ahead of the Bengaluru FC game, he revealed that shifting to a two-striker system is one of the things that they are thinking about. “There are many ways to play in attack – we have used one striker so far and we can also use two or three strikers. This is one of the things that we are thinking about. We are trying different possibilities, based on various strategies and the players available.”

On improving chance creation in the opposition box

Statistics have shown that Kerala Blasters have performed poorly in attack with star striker Gary Hooper yet to receive a successful pass in the opposition box. Vicuna agreed that the team needs to attack more as he said, “We are trying to improve in the attacking department, especially in the final third. We have to create more and more chances and we hope that we will be able to do that and get a better result in the upcoming game.”

Thoughts after the loss against FC Goa

The Spaniard also spoke about the team’s defeat against FC Goa last week. “We were upset and disappointed with our performance especially in the midfield. But, I believe in the team and have full confidence in every player and what we’re doing as a team,” he said, before adding, “We will look to improve our results moving forward.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMDUvyLA5Jc

Costa Nhamoinesu’s red card and potential replacements

Speaking after the game against Goa, Kibu Vicuna had admitted that the send-off of their star defender Costa Nhamoinesu was indeed a blow for them. Ahead of their fixture against the Blues, the former Mohun Bagan coach revealed that they are looking at different possibilities so as to find a partner for Bakary Kone who has become a regular presence in the starting XI by now.

“We have players like Sandeep (Singh), Lalruatthara, and so on. You’ll see tomorrow,” he said.

A must-win game against Bengaluru

Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC have their fair share of rivalry between themselves and every time they face each other, winning is a matter of pride for both. This time, however, the stakes are much higher for the Yellow Army as they are yet to find their first win of the season making the game a particularly tough one for them.

“Bengaluru FC are a very good team with good players and a good coaching staff. I noticed that they changed their formation in the last couple of games,” Vicuna said, when asked about their opponents. “For us, it will be a big challenge. We never thought we would be winless after four matches. But that’s what happens sometimes, it’s football.”

“We kept making mistakes in each of those games and we have been working to rectify them. Therefore, I think we will be able to perform well against Bengaluru in the upcoming game,” he added.

Comparisons between ISL and other foreign leagues he has worked in

Kibu Vicuna has had coaching experiences in countries like Spain and Poland where he has worked with some top teams including Osasuna, Wisla Plock and Legia Warsaw. This season being his second in Indian football, the 48-year-old opined that the ISL cannot be compared with European leagues just yet.

“It is difficult to make that comparison. It also depends on the culture of football which varies with different countries. For instance, Polish clubs are more physical in terms of their gameplay. Teams in the Polish league would be stronger in defence and would rely on counter-attacks to score. Meanwhile in Spain, footballing styles differ in different regions. Teams in Northern Spain are more physical, while in the Southern part, we can see teams that play tactically,” he explained.

“The ISL is also a very good league. And I’m sure it will keep improving moving forward.”

Team news

Kibu Vicuna revealed that captain Sergio Cidoncha has already left for Spain for the treatment of his injured ankle. The remaining players, he said, are available for selection.

“Sergio is in Spain. We have our last training session today and we will then decide who can play.”

Right-back Nishu Kumar was also part of the press-conference. The ex-Bengaluru FC player also answered questions on topics including his former club, first impressions on KBFC and more.

Nishu Kumar on reasons behind joining the Blasters and time at the club so far

The 23-year-old began by revealing that although it was a difficult decision to leave Bengaluru FC, he was honoured to represent Kerala Blasters. “KBFC are a very big club and it is an honour to play for them. It was a difficult decision to make (the move from BFC),” he said. “Playing against them tomorrow will be an emotional affair.”

“We have done well as a team so far. We have played some good football over the past few weeks,” Nishu added.

Mood in dressing room

“Obviously we were all very upset (after the defeat against FC Goa),” Nishu recalled. “We made many mistakes and some of them cost us the win. But, we have had one week since that match and I believe that the team has recovered well.”

“We have worked hard on correcting those errors, and care will be taken so that we do not lose points in our upcoming fixtures,” he added.

Importance of the Southern Derby

Last season, Nishu Kumar represented the Blues in the Southern Derby and therefore, he was quite aware of the influence of fans in the game. "The atmosphere won't be the same without the fans,” he said. “But, this is a match that we have to take seriously. This is a very important game; it is the Southern Derby and we have to win this.”

“And of course, I’m a Blasters player now – so if I score, I will celebrate!” he signed off.