"We can keep a clean sheet": Ashley Westwood says ahead of NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters started their ISL campaign with a win against Inter Kashi.
Kerala Blasters FC will face NorthEast United at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on 18 October 2026 for their second game of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season.
Coming off a winning start against Inter Kashi FC, powered by goals from captain Vibin Mohanan and the English striker Andre Green, the Blasters travel to Guwahati in search of their second victory. Ahead of them is NorthEast United FC, who also come off a home win over Mohun Bagan SG.
Ahead of the crucial game, Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ashley Westwood and player Aiban Dohling addressed the media. Here is a detailed report on the pre-match press conference of the match between Kerala Blasters FC and NorthEast United FC.
“We’re quite far off where we want to be”
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In the post-match press conference of the game between Kerala Blasters FC and Inter Kashi and Kerala Blasters FC, Ashley Westwood highlighted a dichotomy and said that the Blasters did not deserve a clean sheet. When asked what specific defensive structures or moments of concentration he was focusing on fixing ahead of this match.
“Just obviously try and get a little bit closer to the way and style of football we want to play. We have to take into account, we’ve assembled late, the pitch was obviously not good quality. We had a tough travel the day before the game. Foreigners arrived on the day of the game with Fallou and the night before, obviously, Momo. So many factors, but it’s just a case of, it’s early days.”
“We have a way of playing. We talk about the systems in possession, out of possession. The more practice we have, the more games we have, the better we’ll become. So, of course, after the game, we’re going to say, yes, we’ve won, but there’s many things to work on. We’re not quite there yet. It’s quite far off where we want to be. But that’s normal for the stage of the season that we are and the pre-season that we’ve had.” – said Ashley Westwood.
“We’ve shown good characteristics”
When Ashley was asked what the main mental takeaway you want the team to carry into this fixture to ensure consistency and build momentum for the upcoming games was, he replied;
“Just, obviously, good character, clean sheet, testing times, of course, that we’ve mentioned. With travel, with logistics, with moving from Chennai, with getting to Pune, just teething problems, I suppose, but things that are expected when you’re kind of thrown together. Late arrival of a kit, there’s many things we can talk about. So, we’ve shown good characteristics that we can keep a clean sheet.”
“Yes, we rode our luck a little bit. We can score, which I think in the eight games I’ve had, if I’m not mistaken, I think there’s only one game maybe that we haven’t scored, so we can score goals. And that’s all pluses. And, of course, going into the game, people lasting 90 minutes so early on, people getting fitter. So, all good credit and positives that we take from it. Of course, we’re not where we want to be because nobody is after 9, 10, 12 days of training.“
“We’re going to keep a clean sheet again”
When Aiban was asked how the Blasters defensive unit intends to neutralise the strong attacking unit of NorthEast United FC, including the likes of Alaaeddine Ajaraie, Jithin MS and Parthib Gogoi, who love exploiting the space and are excellent in second balls, Aiban answered with optimism.
“First of all, we’re just looking at ourselves, how to improve the defence. Like last game, we didn’t really have a good game at the back, but we kept a clean sheet though, so it was a good start of the season. And we’re trying to improve because new players are coming in, the young players are coming in, so we’re trying to help each other at the back.”
“So, with the new addition, Bolton came in and he’s a great leader at the back, so he’s helping us, he’s guiding us. He had a lot of experience playing in Europe, so it’s a good point for us. It’s a plus point for all the players playing at the back, learning from him on and off the pitch. And, yes, he’s helping and we’re just focusing on ourselves and we’re going to keep a clean sheet again. It’s not easy, again.“
Squad Update
The Blasters Manager when asked about the update on Bikash Yumnam, pointed out their travel woes and how they are training accordingly to ensure their plans are not affected as much as they might be.
“Yes, no, all good so far. Obviously, Bikash is still missing. One or two stiffnesses, if you like, a bit of muscle soreness just from the work of where we are in our preparation, considering what we’ve done.
“We’re now trying to look after the players approaching the game, but as it stands, one or two little minor niggles. But, again, if you’re not sore in my eyes, then you’re not working hard enough so far. And that’s where we are. You know, Luna’s getting stronger again. He’s had a long lay-off like everybody else. He’s come from Mexico. We’re going to get that out of his system, and then hopefully we can push forward and be strong and ready for the game on Sunday.“
“Sanan is getting fitter”
After the game against Inter Kashi, Ashley Westwood made some statements regarding the fitness of the players and mentioned Sanan as the unfittest player, which sparked speculation among the fans. Ashley clarified what he intended in the press conference.
He said, “I just mentioned Sanan’s name just to tell you the facts, where we were with our fitness testing. But he’s a good boy, he’s a good player. He’s listening. He’s going to get stronger and fitter, as we all will. We’re happy with the work rate, the commitment, the application of people listening and wanting to do well, the professionalism that we’ve got, the team spirit. You know, it’s all good, but it’s the foundation. We have to grow now and learn and evolve.”
“I want to win something for Kerala this season”
When Aiban was asked about his contract extension with the club for another year, he said that despite having multiple offers, he waited as per the orders of Ashley Westwood, who requested Aiban to wait. He mentioned his gratitude for being a part of the club and expressed his desire to win something for the club.
“I’m just happy. You know, I’m happy to be here in Kerala for another year. And I’m looking forward to it because I had a couple of offers in the summer, but then I was waiting. So, the gaffer called me. He was telling me to wait and we would like to work together again. So, I was very happy with my decision that I signed here again with Kerala Boston. And I want to win something for Kerala this season. So, let’s try our best and give our best for the batch and for the club.“
When will NorthEast United FC play against Kerala Blasters FC?
NorthEast United FC will host Kerala Blasters FC in Guwahati on 18th October 2026. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST.
Where to watch NorthEast United FC vs Kerala Blasters FC?
The match will be shown live on Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD and will be available to stream digitally for free on YouTube.
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