Kibu Vicuna remains hopeful of playoffs chances ahead of Odisha FC clash

The Spaniard is looking forward to gaining all the points from the remaining games.

Kerala Blasters are facing a trip back to Odisha FC tomorrow, towards the final stages of the Indian Super League (ISL). The reverse fixture saw the Juggernauts securing their only victory in the league so far. The Yellow Army who are currently just above them in the table, are desperate for a win. Ahead of their Thursday evening clash, Blasters' head coach Kibu Vicuna along with goalkeeper Albino Gomes addressed the media.

Crippling campaign for Odisha FC

Odisha are currently sitting at the bottom of the table. Additionally, with the unceremonious sacking of their previous head coach Stuart Baxter, they have been struggling for positive results. Kibu Vicuna was asked about whether the Juggernauts were a relatively weaker opposition. He remarked, “I don’t think that Odisha is a weak team.

"They won the first match and will certainly be looking for two. Also, we did great work on the other game (the reverse fixture) and we respect them very much. We are preparing very hard, as best as we can. For us, it is a very important match and we want all the points because we are going to continue fighting.”

Positives from previous defeats

Kerala Blasters had lost their previous two matches against ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC, after having the lead at first. The 48-year-old was hence asked if there were any positives that the team can take from those matches.

“The positives are that we competed very well in both matches and in some parts of the game, we were better than the opponents. We didn’t expect to lose, as we were creating many chances and in my opinion, we were competing better in the first part of the league. We have shown that we can get points against any team," he replied.

Update on Facundo Pereyra

Facundo Pereyra had suffered a broken nose and was confirmed to be temporarily out. Speaking about him, the coach said, "He has started doing exercises in the room. He is improving and is being processed. He feels it is an important time and will start training in the field later."

Opportunities for young players

Kibu Vicuna was asked about his young cavalry and why players like Prabhushkan Gill, Ayush Adhikari, Givson Singh and Gotimayum Muktasana haven’t featured for KBFC this season.

"Everything is possible and it is not a question of age because we have been playing with young players. They are training well and they are fighting to get a chance. Anything is possible and we will play with a team that is best for the next match," he justified his selection.

Refereeing Decisions

The Spaniard was also asked about the club's official complaint regarding the refereeing decisions made against them in the previous matches. But, he replied that only the match was in his focus for the time being.

"We are only focusing on the game. All we can do is control our training and our performances. We are not thinking about these issues, of course we are with the club regarding the decisions, but now we are just focusing on the game.” The same question was addressed to Albino and he had a similar answer, “As the coach said, we will be focusing on our matches only. The referee’s decision will be his decision and the club will do what the club needs to do. We will try to give our best for the team, we will continue our work and try to win the matches.”

Morale, mentality & playoffs

When asked about the mentality of the players after continuous setbacks and being out of the race for the playoffs, the head coach reiterated rather confidently that he believes they are still in the race to finish in the top four.

"I believe we are in the race. We have 12 points to get and if we get those points everything is possible. We are going to fight, we are not going to give up and we are going to get the best position possible. I don’t know which is this position, we are playing for our supporters, for our club, we are playing for our pride. We are professionals and we are training every day to be a better team.

"Regarding the motivation, we have enough motivation. We have a very important match tomorrow and we are preparing as best as possible," he further added.

Albino Gomes' comments

The goalkeeper was asked about his mistake against FC Goa and how the reverse fixture was contrary to expectations, given the fact that he was playing against his former side. He replied by saying that he believes the team is very strong and will do their best to get all the three points from the match. He finds it necessary for an increase in the morale of the players for the remaining matches.

The 27-year-old also replied to the question on the error, as he said, “I wouldn’t say that it is a mistake. It’s just a problem of making a decision in a small fraction of time. Since then I have improved a lot. I’ve been practicing very hard and I’ll continue doing my hard work to perform better than the previous matches.”