Kerala Blasters head coach Ivan Vukomanovic and forward Alvaro Vazquez addressed the media in the press conference ahead of their game against Jamshedpur FC on Sunday. Here’s the transcript from the same.
On the long ball tactics in the last game
“Not only that but there were many other aspects and this was one of those that we wanted to use because not only Jorge but also Alvaro and other players have those good movements and we wanted to take advantage of it. We wanted to use the weak point of our opponents and I am very happy to see them scoring like that.”
Ivan Vukomanovic on the use of Jeakson and Puitea
“Of course, both of them have huge potential and they give quality to this team and by working hard consistently they are gaining more confidence and that is how you improve and become better. I am glad to see not only them but everyone performing so well. Before the season started we realized their potential and we wanted to use it. We are continuing to do the same and as of this moment we are very happy with them.”
On the support of fans
“We know that many of them are supporting and willing to see our team play like this and believe me, from here in Goa we can feel their support and everything. We cannot wait to play these games in our stadium in front of the crowds. I hope this opportunity comes soon and hope they continue supporting us. A big thanks to them.”
Alvaro Vazquez on the tight scheduling
“It is not a problem.”
On the game against Jamshedpur
“We faced Jamshedpur twice in the pre-season but it was a different period and completely different games and now both teams are playing very differently, with a different approach so I suppose tomorrow will be a difficult game for us.”
Alvaro on India and the ISL
“I am very happy here. It is a great league and there are great players here. The Spanish and Premier League are two of the best leagues in the world and very different but I am very happy and I must score and keep on winning games.”
Ivan Vukomanovic on the possibility of going top of the table
“Of course, when you started the season you wanted to win but there are circumstances that you need to take under consideration like the opponents we face. The situation before this season started was that we were second from the bottom and so we now need to shut up and work hard. That is all we need to do. We just need to keep building up because in football momentum is very important. We have a good team and we have confidence.”
“In this league, anyone can win any day and so we need to stay focused and concentrated. Of course, it will be nice to see us at the top of the table but if not we need to keep working hard and remembering the previous seasons, stay humble. We will try to get the maximum points and later we will see what our objectives are. We have to stay humble and keep working hard.”
Ivan Vukomanovic on the schedule for the second half of the ISL
“As a team, we need to be prepared. The staff is working hard to maintain the fitness levels of the team. We are working hard to stay fresh, especially given that we are playing every three days. This is our job and everyone has to be ready. When you are playing at the highest levels you need to deal with these situations and be ready to face them. After tomorrow we will have a week before we play the next game. We do not want to use tight scheduling as an excuse because as professionals we know our job.”
Kerala Blasters face Jamshedpur FC tomorrow at the Tilak Maidan Stadium.
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