IFTWC attended the Kerala Blasters pre-season press conference that took place yesterday, ahead of their season opening ISL match against the Mariners.
KBFC have lost the most points from winning position in the last two seasons, usually conceding at the last quarter of the game. Players get sunken in pressure, and they don’t seem to keep up their stamina for the entire stretch of the match. Coach, what have you done from your side to change it?
“Well, we had the whole process since we started in the last three and a half months we were working very hard in every possible aspect so actually in the last friendlies especially since we arrived here in Goa, we were very happy that we could hold the whole length of the game actually.”
“I think that in some games in most of the games we were the dominant side and especially if we see that some of the games we were playing 120 minutes so I think that the part of fitness and stamina we are happy so far. There is still a huge large margin of improvement in all the possible lines of our team. But actually, when you start the competition, you start building up certain details, so I think that we will be better and better like the games are passing so. So far we are happy.”
Sahal has played as an attacking midfielder in the past. But Kerala Blasters have roped in Adrian Luna, who seems to be one of the best signings of the season.
With that, what is the role of Sahal in this Kerala Blasters team? Where will he play?
“He will be playing in our team in the attacking compartment. Probably we’ll be playing in some different formations this season, and in every formation, all of the players will have their roles. Sahal is one of the players who have potential to become very important player of Kerala Blasters and very important player in the national team as well.”
“Luna is also a player who can play on different positions, Sahal as well, so actually both of them they can play, we’ll find the right recipe.”
What are the realistic expectations the fans should have from this team?
“Well, I think that we have a very good team with lots of potentials. I think that we have a very good group of young Indian players who still have to improve a lot, and I think that many of them will find their way to become important players in ISL in the upcoming years and also international teams. I think that these boys have potential and we are very happy to see that they have improved since the beginning, so I think that we have a good team and that we will play good football. I’m very confident, and I believe in all of them.”
The Blasters will look to redeem themselves after last season’s results. IFTWC would like to wish them all the best for the season ahead.
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