Kibu Vicuna: You'll get to see better version of Sahal in coming matches

The Spaniard spoke ahead of his side's clash against Mumbai City FC on Saturday.

Kerala Blasters face a tough test in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday, when they take on Mumbai City FC in an away fixture. The Islanders are at second place on the league table, while the Kochi outfit are at ninth. A win will propel Kibu Vicuna and his boys to the eight position, surpassing Hyderabad FC on goal-difference.

Ahead of the match, Blasters’ head coach Vicuna and star forward Jordan Murray talked to the media on Friday. The duo answered several questions on the lineup, tactics, team’s morale and so on as:

On Mumbai City FC

Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City have had contrasting fortunes in the league so far, although both teams started off with a 1-0 loss in the first game. While Mumbai have remained undefeated since, the Kochi-based outfit registered their maiden win only last week, in their seventh game.

“They are a strong team, but we are becoming better with each day,” Vicuna said when asked about his thoughts on their opponents.

“We played well in our recent games (against SC East Bengal and Hyderabad FC). Personally, I am very happy with the way we are training. I am positive about getting a good result in tomorrow's game,” he added.

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On win against Hyderabad FC

Not only did Kerala register their first victory of the season against Hyderabad FC, but it was also the first game in which the team took a significant detour from their regular, possession-based playing style.

The Blasters let Hyderabad have more possession and countered that with a higher work-rate. The Yellow Army were also able to create more chances and had more shots on target than their opponents. Asked about whether it means the team will follow a similar approach in the games to come, Vicuna replied that tactics are based on opponents.

“It's not a question of whether or not to ‘sacrifice’ ball possession. HFC also play from behind, just like us. Our tactics which you saw against them were best suited in that match. We cannot say for sure if the same tactics will be seen tomorrow,” he clarified.

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Sahal Abdul Samad as a wide No.10

Till the last season, fans and pundits were used to seeing Sahal Abdul Samad play in central midfield. His lack of form had also started upsetting most people. But, in the last couple of matches, Vicuna has deployed the 23-year-old on the left flank and he immediately started showing signs of improvement.

Speaking about this, the tactician said, “As I have mentioned previously, Sahal can play in multiple positions, both on the inside of the pitch and out wide. In the past two matches he played as a wide player and did well. He has the qualities suited for that role.

“We are continuing to work with him and in the coming matches you'll see a much better version of him,” he further added.

On signing Subha Ghosh

Earlier this week, Kerala Blasters announced the signing of Subha Ghosh, the young striker from ATK Mohun Bagan. Ghosh played under Kibu Vicuna at Bagan in the I-League last season and also scored thrice.

“We signed him because we needed an Indian striker in our squad. Shaiborlang Kharpan was there, but as you know he has left to Sudeva FC on a loan deal. Ghosh did well under me last season. He is a valuable addition to the squad,” Vicuna commented.

Signing Juande Lopez

After their third match against Chennaiyin FC, KBFC were dealt a huge blow as captain Sergio Cidoncha was ruled out of the season following an ankle injury. The Yellow Army then roped in Spanish midfielder Juande Lopez as his replacement. The player has already arrived in Goa and started his mandatory 14-day quarantine.

34-year-old Lopez is understood to be a defensive midfielder based on his career till date. This led to questions on why he was signed as Cidoncha’s replacement, especially considering the 30-year-old had an attacking role at the club prior to his exit.

“Cidoncha is a versatile player and can play in multiple positions – as a No.6, No.8 or even a No.10. Our incoming player is also almost as versatile as he was and we are happy to have him in the team. We have domestic talents like Jeakson (Singh), who has shown that he can play well as a No.6, Givson (Singh) and Ayush (Adhikari) as well. 

“So, it is not a question of whether to play Facundo (Pereira), Vicente (Gomez) or Juande. Rather, it’s a question of how we can rotate between these players to get a perfect balance against different opponents,” Kibu Vicuna explained.

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Team News

In every KBFC pre-match press conference this season, questions have been asked on the possible lineup and the injured or unavailable players. However, Kibu Vicuna seldom opens up on his choice of players.

This time again, he tried to keep everyone guessing, as he said, “All the players including Gary Hooper, Costa Nhamoinesu and Bakary Kone (who were injured prior to the last game) are training with us. As you know, Sandeep (Singh and (Abdul) Hakku replaced the defenders and both of them played well. They are also training well with more confidence.

“Everyone wants to play. Every day we are thinking about the best team to field and you’ll know more only by tomorrow.”

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Murray on early impressions of Indian football & ISL

Having plied his trade for a few years in his native country of Australia, KBFC are Murray’s first-ever club overseas and the ongoing ISL is his first experience of football in the subcontinent. "It has been a good challenge so far,” he said, adding, “In general, the football here follows an attacking style of play. So far, I have enjoyed it and I am learning a lot. Obviously, I want to improve and help the club do so as well."

Team morale following win

It is understandably a tough situation for any team when they are winless in six matches. Kerala Blasters finally broke their duck last Sunday, when Abdul Hakku and Murray scored the goals to help them win against Hyderabad.

"It felt good to get our first win. It had been a long time coming. Although we played good football so far, we had been unlucky before,” Murray said.

“With the win, the morale in the team is definitely boosted. Everyone is feeling positive and we are all hungry for more. I could have scored more goals, so I am looking to improve my finishing. Everyone else is improving too and there is a lot of positive energy in training. We are looking to get nothing but three points against Mumbai City.”

On Adam le Fondre, Mumbai City’s top goalscorer

While playing for Central Coast Mariners in the A-League last season, the 25-year-old came up against Adam le Fondre at Sydney FC. The latter is now with his new club Mumbai City and there will be a reunion of sorts on Saturday when the Blasters lock horns against the Islanders.

Speaking about his experience against Le Fondre, the Aussie striker said, “He is a quality player. He has played at the highest levels of the game, including the Premier League.

“I played against him last year. When you watch him play, his movement, runs off the ball, his work rate and so on is all good. But, we're working to put a stop to that tomorrow night. I am sure that we will be able to nullify his efforts as a team,” he explained.

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Competition with Gary Hooper

In the first few matches, Kibu Vicuna preferred Hooper as the first-choice striker before Murray was allowed to play alongside him against Bengaluru FC. In the games that followed, the Australian gained prominence and eventually started his first game as the lone striker against Hyderabad.

Although it might look like there is a fierce battle between both forwards for the starting spot, Murray maintains that their relationship is symbiotic, with both players learning and developing with each other.

“Gary obviously is a brilliant player who has played at the top level. I have learnt a lot from him the past few weeks. There is no bad blood between the two of us, only healthy competition.

“It gets the best out of both of us and doesn’t cause any harm to either of us or the team. It’s all good,” Kibu Vicuna signed off.

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