We have more similarities with FC Goa than any other team, says Kibu Vicuna

The Kerala Blasters boss also opined that it is only a matter of time before Gary Hooper starts scoring and creating chances.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa will play host to a very important game in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday, as FC Goa take on Kerala Blasters. Both teams are in an identical state after three matches each, having lost one and drawn two games apiece. With both still looking for their maiden win this season, Blasters’ head coach Kibu Vicuna and goalkeeper Albino Gomes spoke to the media ahead of the match.

Kibu Vicuna began by speaking on captain Sergio Cidoncha’s injury, as he said the Spaniard is still the club’s top priority. “First of all, we have to be with Sergio right now because this is an important period for him. He played well so far and was also the captain of the team,” he said, before adding: “So, we have to take care of him first and then we will try to improve the team.” He was also quick to point out that an injury to a player meant an opportunity for another. 

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“As of now we have different options in midfield, between Vicente Gomez, Jeakson Singh, Rohit Kumar, Sahal Abdul Samad, Facundo Pereyra and Givson Singh. So, we will try to find the best possible combo among these players,” Kibu Vicuna revealed.

Vicuna also responded to questions on first-choice striker Gary Hooper and his inability to find the back of the net. The 48-year-old backed the Englishman. Upon being asked if it is time to consider other options like Jordan Murray in the starting XI, he chose to answer diplomatically. “Both players are training with us and I am sure that they will have a very good season. It is only a matter of time before they start scoring goals and creating chances.”

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It goes without saying that Kerala Blasters have a tough month ahead, having to face the likes of FC Goa, Bengaluru FC and SC East Bengal in the coming weeks. But, Kibu Vicuna stressed that he was only focusing on Goa as of now, as they are their next opponents.

“Every game is a challenge, but as of now the focus is on FC Goa. It is true that we have more similarities with FC Goa than any other team – and yes, that is due to the similarities between our playing styles. That said, like every other game, this match is also going to be a challenge for us and I think it will come down to who can score more goals. 

“FC Goa will try to play their cards right, and so will us,” he said, before giving his two cents on the squad changes that happened at the Goan club over the summer. “In football, opinions should be formed only by the end of the season – not after three games. As mentioned already, they have good players and a fantastic coach. So, we are talking about one of the favourites of the league and I’m sure that they are going to improve.”

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Asked about the sudden contract termination of Arjun Jayaraj, which was officially announced by the club on Saturday, the former Mohun Bagan boss said that no player in the team has cemented his place in the matchday squad.

“Right now, we have 30 players in our squad. There is no place for everyone and each player has to fight to take his place. As for Arjun, we are happy for him. He is very professional and is a good quality footballer. Sometimes, we have a lot of players in this position, that’s what happened in his case as well and he decided to terminate the contract with us. We wish him all the best for his future.”

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Before and during their most recent game against Chennaiyin FC, KBFC lost some of their star players to slight injuries and fitness concerns – namely Vicente Gomes, Costa Nhamoinesu, Nongdamba Naorem among others.

About them, the Kibu Vicuna said that all are training properly and it remains to be seen as to who will get into the matchday squad tomorrow. He also spoke on Bilal Khan and Abdul Hakku’s absence from the club’s matchday squads so far, as he said, “Only 20 players can come for the game as part of the team’s matchday squad. If they are included then they can come – but then two other players will have to go out. They do not have injuries or fitness problems, it is just a matter of numbers.”

As mentioned earlier, Albino Gomes was also a part of the press-conference. “It feels very good to come back to the top division of Indian football. I had a very tough time before this season and now it feels really good to make a comeback. I hope to continue working harder and make a good impact for the team,” he said when asked about his recovery from an injury that kept him out of action for nearly three terms. 

He also revealed that Kerala Blasters’ fanbase played a big role in him choosing to sign for them this summer. “First of all, my agent approached me after Kerala Blasters sent me an offer. I am aware of the stature of this club in India and the huge fanbase that they have. The fans did play a role in my choice.”

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The 26-year-old also gave a short insight into the process behind his penalty save against Chennaiyin FC, as he confirmed that the club does make players undergo special training exercises for set-pieces. “We also watch various videos and observe different techniques, before trying to follow them on the pitch. As for the penalty against Chennaiyin, I didn’t know where he’ll shoot, so I merely followed our coaches’ orders. They had asked me to wait for the last moment and watch the ball. I did exactly that and I was able to save the shot,” he recollected.

The shot-stopper finally concluded the session by assuring reporters that the team are indeed giving their all on the pitch, while training and during the matches.

“All of our players are giving our 100%. We did well on the pitch in all of our games, but somehow failed to get the results we wanted. I think that our lack of preparation time may have been a reason. I also feel that we will improve a lot more and perform much better in the matches that are coming up next,” Albino Gomes signed off.