Kibu Vicuna: We have identified Sergio Cidoncha's replacement

The Spaniard spoke about his team's preparations ahead of the game against Hyderabad FC on Sunday.

Two-time Indian Super League finalists Kerala Blasters face a big test on Sunday, as they take on Hyderabad FC at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Goa. The Blasters are winless after six matches. while the Nizams are in good form, having lost just once so far. A day before the game, head coach Kibu Vicuna and midfielder Rohit Kumar addressed the media.

Facing Hyderabad FC

Asked the challenge posed by a strong Hyderabad side, Kibu Vicuna said that every game is a challenge for the team.

At the same time, the coach also praised the opponents for their exceptional display so far in the league, as he said, “Hyderabad have played exceptionally well. They lost against Mumbai City last week, but they did well against them and they are a very good team."

Last-minute equaliser against SC East Bengal

Last Sunday, KBFC conceded an own-goal in the 13th minute against SC East Bengal and the score remained 0-1 till the fourth and final minute of injury-time. That’s when Jeakson Singh scored for the team to steal a draw out of nowhere and Vicuna believes that was a positive result for the side. “It is true that it was a positive result. But, despite ensuring a draw, we were going for the three points and had a very good chance to score another goal,” he said.

“I continue to have confidence in my team and the players. We will look for another positive result tomorrow. Against ATK Mohun Bagan we played well in the first half and against East Bengal we did well in the second half. But, we have to do well for the full 90 minutes and that is our objective,” he added.

Sergio Cidoncha’s replacement 

In the past week, reports emerged that the Yellow Army have identified the replacement for captain Sergio Cidoncha, the captain of the side.

Cidoncha was injured during their game against Chennaiyin FC and within a week, he returned to Spain where he underwent surgery on his right ankle. Currently in recovery, the 30-year-old has been ruled out for the entire season and Vicuna confirmed that a replacement will be signed soon.

"We have identified him. He will be with us soon. Of course, there are procedures like a mandatory 14-day quarantine, so I think all that will be completed and he will start playing for us in January,” he revealed.

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Bakary Kone and Costa Nhamoinesu in defence

Bakary Kone and Costa Nhamoinesu were Kibu Vicuna’s first-choice centre-backs in five out of the six matches that KBFC have played so far. Both players have made individual errors that have led to goals, but the coach is yet to test the other available options, like Abdul Hakku and Sandeep Singh.

Upon being asked about it, he said, “It's purely for tactical reasons. In the last game they were the best players available according to me. “But, it doesn't mean that they will play every game just because they are foreigners or so. Everyone will have chances,” he further added.

Club’s realistic objectives

In previous weeks, Kibu Vicuna had commented that he likes to think about one match after another, instead of focusing on the season as a whole.

On Saturday, he repeated it once again, as he said, “I think we are focussing on tomorrow's game. I will not talk about the season. We have our objectives, but now we just want to get three points tomorrow and then against Mumbai City FC.”

Team News

When asked about the potential unavailability of any players for Sunday’s match, Kibu Vicuna gave a very cryptic reply. The 48-year-old said, “Some players do have slight injuries or muscular problems, but the rest of our squad will be available for selection.”

As mentioned earlier, Rohit Kumar was also present in the press conference and he spoke about the morale of the team.

Morale team

It goes without saying that it is tough for any team to remain winless for a few matches. But, Rohit stressed that the Yellow Army have no such problems as they look forward to the games ahead.

"The morale is always high. We managed to draw the game against SC East Bengal and that's good. We will definitely work hard to get three points against Hyderabad FC,” he promised.

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Facing former club

Rohit Kumar signed for Kerala Blasters this summer, after plying his trade at Hyderabad FC in the 2019-20 season. On Sunday, the midfielder will be facing his former club and he revealed that he was looking forward to the match.

“It's obviously a wonderful feeling to be playing against my former club tomorrow. Regardless, I'm a Blasters player now, I want us to win and secure all the points,” he signed off.

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