Nishu Kumar feels Kerala Blasters can qualify for the playoffs this season

The defender also remarked that it will be a slow but steady process for the Yellow Army.

One of India's most effective full-backs, Nishu Kumar was mostly on the sidelines when Kerala Blasters dismantled defending champions Mumbai City FC in a 3-0 victory. Kumar, 24, was an eyewitness to what was a miraculous performance from the Yellow Army. The defender belongs to a rare species of ambipedal full-backs. He already has six major titles to show for his efforts, despite being relatively young.

The Kerala Blasters star recently spoke to Khel Now regarding his recovery period, objectives for the ongoing season and a possible return to the national team.

“I’ve a strong feeling that we’ll make it to the playoffs this season,” said Nishu Kumar two days prior to their clash against Mumbai City FC in an exclusive chat with Khel Now. The intent which Nishu mentioned throughout the conversation was clearly visible in his side’s stupendous win against the reigning league champions.

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Post recovery thoughts 

Nishu sustained a season-ending injury midway through the 2020-21 campaign. He shared his thoughts on how it felt to make a comeback on the pitch, revealing it was frustrating to stay away from the game.

“I feel very happy because it was very frustrating for me to stay away from football. But, it feels good to make a comeback after such a long time. Football is my life and it feels good,” Nishu happily explained.

Time at Kerala Blasters so far

The Yellow Army landed the former ISL champion in a record deal in the previous season. Nishu felt blessed to represent Kerala Blasters while reflecting back on his time at the club so far.

“Firstly, I want to say that Kerala Blasters is a very big team. It was my wish to play for them and I’m blessed that I’m playing for Kerala Blasters now. Last year, I couldn’t perform due to an injury, but the management supported me a lot to make a comeback. Now, I’m ready for all the matches,” the Indian international revealed.

Recovery phase

“Injury is the worst part of football, but at the same time it’s a part of it. It was my first long-term injury and I was out for almost 9-10 months," he quipped.

"At times, I felt it will be very difficult for me, but my physio and club management supported me a lot. I learnt a lot on how to bounce back from such situations as a player,” Nishu Kumar added.

Thoughts on the play-off drought for Kerala Blasters

The southerners reached the final twice in the first three seasons of the ISL and were undoubtedly one of the best performing sides in the league. However, they hit a rough patch after the third season, failing to qualify for the play-offs ever since.

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“In my opinion, the players are giving their best and the management is doing good. It’s a long process and unfortunately we’re not able to deliver results. But, this season we’re very motivated and I feel we will do good this season,” he opined.

Reflections on the season so far

It has been a season filled with mixed feelings so far for Kerala Blasters. They were handed a big defeat in their first match, but came back stronger and are unbeaten ever since. Nishu feels that his side will do well this season because they’re trying their best.

“Obviously, the season didn’t start well. But after that, we’re unbeaten for the last four matches. In the last match, we created chances and are trying our best, but we’re not getting a goal. It will happen slowly as the team is doing good and we have very experienced foreign players. And I feel we will do very good this season,” Nishu Kumar stated. 

How to get back into the starting XI?

Ever since his injury last season, the full-back is yet to start a match this season. Nishu has made four appearances off the bench and has accumulated only 95 minutes on the pitch.

“Obviously, it’s very difficult to make a spot for yourself in the team when you comeback from a long-term injury. But, our coach is very professional and I think he has played over 18 years of professional football. 

“I’ve a good bond with the coach and even he knows that I might get injured again if my workload is suddenly increased. So, it’s a very calculative decision and he is giving me chances slowly and gradually. I’m happy, but at the same time, I’m doing my best to make my place in the team. And I think I will get my chance when the right time arrives,” he expressed.

Versatility 

The 24-year-old has played as a full-back for the majority of his career. However, Ivan Vukomanovic has used him as a winger on a few occasions this season. The Kerala Blasters star shared his thoughts on how he is adapting to his new role.

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“I’ve always played as a full-back ever since I started my professional career. But at the same time, if I can play at multiple positions, that’ll be good for me as well as the team. I cannot to stick to just one position. 

“In my opinion the coach should’ve the option to deploy a player in multiple positions. If the coach thinks that I can play in that position, it’s good for me and I’ve to perform. It’s a new position, but I’m trying my best,” he declared.

Realistic expectations from the season ahead

The Blasters finished at the 10th spot last season, which resulted in a significant overhaul in the first team dynamics over the course of the summer. They have looked like a refurbished team on the pitch and are definitely aiming for the playoffs in this campaign. Speaking about his expectations from the season ahead, Nishu Kumar strongly felt that this will be the season when Kerala Blasters will make it to the knockouts.

“The club’s aim is to finish in the top four. We’re working hard in training. I’ve a strong feeling that we can do it this season because we’ve a good mix of young and experienced players,” he remarked. 

Experience of playing under both Kibu Vicuna and Ivan Vukomanovic 

The defender put pen to paper with the kochi-based club in the summer of 2020 under Kibu Vicuna. Nishu has had the opportunity to play under both Vicuna and Vukomanovic at Kerala Blasters and stated he is lucky to have trained under both tacticians.

“I’m lucky that I’ve had the opportunity to play under both the coaches. Both coaches have a different style and I’ve learnt different things from both of them,” he asserted.

Thoughts on the new foreign players policy

The league made a major change in its framework ahead of the 2021-22 season by reducing the number of foreign players in the starting XI. This decision was made by keeping in mind the best interests of the national team to develop players in key positions.

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“I think it’s good for the growth Indian football because there are many young Indian players. We can see that many youngsters have made their debut this season and they’re doing really well,” the 24-year-old stated.

“I think it’s the right time for the young players to grab the young opportunity. In our team — Rahul KP, Jeakson (Singh) are still very young, but are also an important part of the team,” he mentioned.

Reason behind so many high scoring games this season

In the ongoing 2021-22 season, the goalscoring charts have skyrocketed and the league has attained the 100-goal mark in just 29 games. Nishu put down the high scoring nature of these games to the top-notch forward players of the league.

“Firstly, the attacking line is doing really good. Our Indian defenders have never had a lot experience and this is their first season. We need a good Indian centre-back. They’re learning slowly and gradually. At the same time, the forwards are doing a great job,” he explained.

Comeback to the national team

The Indian football team now have a number of options in the full-back positions, but this wasn’t the case a few years ago. Nishu hasn’t played for the Blue Tigers for over two years now and the competition has increased significantly. However, he aims to push to his limits to get back into the national team. 

“Of course, the competition has increased from before. A lot of young and new faces have come in who are performing really well. It’s good that there’s so much competition because that allows us to push each other. My first aim is to start for Kerala Blasters and then the national team,” he announced with conviction.

Absence of the fans

Kerala Blasters have one of the biggest off-field presence in Indian football. They have some of the best fans who back them up through thick and thin. Playing inside a stadium with no fans is always a challenge and it has definitely affected Kerala Blasters’ on-field performances.

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Sharing a thought on how it has affected his team, Nishu Kumar expressed, “If we play in front of our fans, we try to give our best. We’re missing them and I hope everything goes fine and we can play in front of them next season.”

Message to the fans

Nishu Kumar shared a beautiful message to the wonderful fans of Kerala Blasters. He thanked the fans for always standing by his side through the ups and downs.

“We’re missing the fans a lot and they’re supporting me ever since I signed for this club. They supported me a lot during my injury phase and I miss them a lot. I want to thank everyone for supporting us and I promise that we’ll give our best this season and deliver a good result,” he concluded.

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