Eelco Schattorie: I'm happy with the way my players have reacted

The coach praised his players but admitted missing a few elements in the tactics especially in the final moments.

Eelco Schattorie had to witness his boys squander yet another lead, as they finished on parity with Mumbai City FC, with a goal and point apiece for both sides.

As has been custom this season for Kerala, they dominated possession and got their deserved reward when Messi Bouli found the back of the net for the second consecutive game a quarter of an hour before time. But, the joy was shortlived, as Amine Chermiti got the home team level within 120 seconds.

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Kerala dominated the game in almost every stat and Eelco Schattorie was happy with what he saw on the pitch despite the result. He said, "The tactics that I put out worked perfectly. But, in the end when you miss certain elements, then it becomes difficult. I think overall a point is okay for me."

Kerala have struggled to close out or hold their lead till the final whistle this season and that fact has come back to bite them. But. Eelco Schattorie was on the side of his defenders saying "I think our defence is fine. It is about having maturity. We have played seven games so far (this season) and I haven't had the same lineup for two games straight. That makes it very difficult. But, I'm happy with the way my players have reacted. We outplayed Goa last time and today as well, but that extra step is needed and we need to focus on taking that."

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He added, "There is a reason why we are playing like certain ways. Our club is in transition and there are young players, who I see haven't been coached (properly) before. They play long balls and they run, so they need time. You can criticize me when I have my full squad fit and then if I lose, I would not say anything."

Kerala Blasters remain in eighth spot and will play high-flying Jamshedpur FC on December 13. Mumbai City FC are a point above them in sixth and travel to face defending champions and table-toppers Bengaluru FC on December 15.