Ivan Vukomanovic vows to stick to attacking philosophy

The Kerala Blasters tactician shared his thoughts on their next opponents Odisha FC and highlighted his expectations.

Kerala Blasters started their Indian Super league (ISL) 2022-23 with a terrific win over East Bengal. However, The Tuskers failed to continue the momentum as they faced a loss against ATK Mohun Bagan in their second game. A day before the first away match, KBFC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic and midfielder Puitea addressed the media in their pre-match press conference.

Puitea about how the team is prepared for tomorrow’s game

KBFC’s central midfielder Putiea said that his side is all set for the clash against Odisha FC on Sunday. He mentioned that they arrived at Odisha for the three important points. 

“We lost our last game. So we came here for the three points, simple.”

Puitea on his partnership with Jeakson Singh last season

The midfielder, while asked about his partnership with Jeakson singh last season and the new foreigners this season, said that it is all about the team. He added that all his teammates enjoy playing the game and no other secret behind it.

“Jeakson is one of the best midfielders in India. It’s not both of us. It's about the team. We are enjoying football every minute we play together. That’s all, nothing secret.”

Ivan on team’s level of attacking in the upcoming match

KBFC boss Ivan Vukomanovic said that his side likes to play attacking football and it can be seen in the match against Odisha FC. He also mentioned that his men play attacking football during the training session as well. According to Ivan, the players will do better only when they play this way.

“That’s the way we like to play. The way of attacking football, offensive football this is the way we want to see these boys playing. We see them enjoying playing like that in the training session. The fact is, when you go out of your comfort zone playing like that, that's the way you become better. Not only individually but collectively as a team. So we want to continue like that.”

Coach on availability of new signing Víctor Mongil

The coach said that everybody is available for the next match as there are no injuries so far. He said that Víctor Mongil is expected to play tomorrow.

“Everybody is available for tomorrow. Everybody is healthy. Today we have one more session. Victor is a quality player, he is available. There is a possibility that he will play.”

Ivan on how they motivate their players

Ivan Vukomanovic said that winning and losing is all part of the game and for them every game is difficult. He mentioned that tomorrow's game will be another new experience for the players as the team is set to play an away match after two years. 

“It's a competition. We are now working with consistency. We know the way we want to play. We know that every game for us will be difficult. Whether it is home or alone. Again, tomorrow will be a new experience. So, let’s hope for the best.”

Coach on his expectations about Odisha FC

Ivan Vukomanovic said that he expects the opponents to be  strong as well as aggressive. He also said that his side wants to be aggressive as well. The coach also mentioned that his side is all set for the match with a positive mindset.

“We are expecting Odisha FC to be strong and aggressive. We expect crowd support. But we as a team always want to be prepared, to play hard games, to be aggressive as well. We want to compete against anybody to show what we are capable of winning games. In football you win, lose or draw, but the mindset we want to have is this kind of positivity.”

Coach about sink between Adrian luna and new foreign players

Ivan said that all the new players have quality. He added that as their head coach he is glad to see the players enjoying their time on the pitch.

“They need some time to find some pleasure playing together. They have known each other now for a while. Some of them arrived late. But they are getting pleasure. Seeing that pleasure not only on the pitch but also off the pitch. As a coaching staff I'm glad to see them enjoying their time on the pitch. We are happy with our players.”

Coach about Bryce Miranda and Saurav Mandal

Coach said that both the players have to know the differences between ISL and I-League first. He also mentioned that both of them are quality players and hopefully they will play this year itself.

“Both of them have to recognize the difference between ISL and I-league. Since they arrived they have seen that the training is high intensity. They are recognising the new moments in their playing life and they are adapting to that level. They both have qualities.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and join our community on Telegram.