"We'll have opportunity to win three points against Goa," says Kibu Vicuna

The Spaniard along with forward Rahul KP addressed the media ahead of the clash against FC Goa on Saturday.

Indian Super League matches are coming thick and fast for Kerala Blasters as they take on FC Goa on Saturday evening at the Bambolim. The Blasters are high on confidence after their thrilling victory over Bengaluru FC and will look to continue the form into the next game as well. The Gaurs, however, would like to stay calm, as a win can take them to 22 points, just two behind ATK Mohun Bagan. Ahead of the game, head coach Kibu Vicuna and last game’s hero Rahul KP interacted with the media.

About winning momentum

Kerala Blasters have earned seven points in their last three games and the results have given immense confidence to the Yellow Army. Referring to the dramatic victory in the last game and the time period in general, Kibu Vicuna stressed that he is proud of the work they have put in the last few games. “We are competing in every game till the end. In the last three games, I think we competed well and we got the points,” he said.

Although the Blasters are high on confidence, the Spaniard also acknowledged the fact that overcoming FC Goa will be the toughest challenge for them as of now. “It's true that tomorrow is different, but we are trying to recover the players and prepare for the game as best as possible,” he added.

Rahul KP, who was also present in the press meet, recalled the match-deciding moment from the last game and thanked his teammates for it. “There were a lot of emotions behind that goal for me,” said Rahul. “First of all, I want to thank God, my team members and coaching staff - everyone who worked hard because it was nothing miraculous. We trained hard for everything, we put a lot of effort in training and followed the instructions that's why it came off at the last moment,” said the young Indian.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjG7Qpjf5EE

“My job is to help my team – Kerala Blasters”

Rahul KP has been one of the most consistent performers for the Blasters in the league and has found the back of the net twice in 10 games. Talk has arisen about his potential inclusion in the national team, but the player commented that he is not getting distracted and is rather focusing on his current job. “My job now is not to focus on the national team, but to help my team Kerala Blasters and perform. Everything else, I'm hoping for and I'm sure it will come, if you have good performance. But, my job is to perform and keep this consistency,” spoke Rahul.

Speaking about the role of coach Kibu Vicuna in his and his teammates' progress, Rahul said that the Spaniard trusts his players a lot and this gives everybody the confidence to do well. “He trusts me, if there is something wrong with the striker, he is putting me as a striker. He has a lot of trust in every player and we can see that in training,” said Rahul. “Also, he always motivates us and keeps us going,” he added.

FC Goa's dynamism

Kibu Vicuna praised his opponents and commented that FC Goa are one of the most spirited teams in the league. “They are a very well-prepared team with good players. They are a team with dynamic players, not only (Jorge) Ortiz or (Igor) Angulo, but also you see (Alexander) Romario and others,” opined the Spaniard. Kerala Blasters suffered a 3-1 defeat against the Gaurs in the first half of the season, but Vicuna assured that they have learnt from the previous experience and won't repeat the same mistakes tomorrow.

“It's true that in the first game we conceded goals very easily and I hope that tomorrow in the game to be better defensively. Also, we are improving in the offensive phrase, creating more chances than in the beginning of the season. For sure, tomorrow we will have the opportunity to get the three points,” stated Kibu Vicuna.

Top four hopes & Subha Ghosh's availability

Even though Kerala Blasters are placed at the ninth spot in the table, they are just four points behind fourth-placed Hyderabad FC. Speaking on the possibilitity of a top four finish, Kibu Vicuna said he isn't focusing on it at this time. “We are happy that we are closer (to the top four). But, we are only focusing on the next game."

The coach also said that new signing Subha Ghosh is training with the team and is ready to be used whenever required. ”He is training with the team, he is playing well. He is ready to help us if needed,” he concluded.