NorthEast United won because they had more energy than us - Steve Coppell

The Englishman spoke after his team’s opening day defeat to NorthEast United FC…

Kerala Blasters started their Indian Super League campaign with 0-1 defeat to NorthEast United FC on opening day. Speaking after the game manager Steve Coppell admitted the hosts deserved their win because they wanted it more. "Both the teams played the same way and cancelled each other out. But the Highlanders had more composure and we gave the ball away easily,” he asserted. “We can do a lot better," he further added. Commenting on the surprise decision to pull out Antonio German at the crucial time when his team needed an equaliser, Coppell said he wanted to keep the forward fresh for the long campaign ahead. Kerala Blasters will fly back home to Kochi to host Atletico de Kolkata on 5 October. The Englishman said that his team must make home advantage count in their next outing. "We are going back home. We will be more composed. There will be a few changes to the team and we will bounce back.”