We had a good conversation and I should be here at Kerala Blasters next season, says Ivan Vukomanović

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Kerala Blasters
Ivan Vukomanović

The last meeting between the Kerala Blasters and the Jamshedpur FC ended all square, courtesy to Sahal Abdul Samad’s and Greg Stewart’s goal. With both teams having played 13 matches each and hoping to keep the competition for the play-offs spot alive, the clubs will put in all they can whilst locking horns tomorrow.

Ivan Vukomanović said that there is no extra pressure for tomorrow’s match. Moreover, he said that he, and the players, are motivated to play the upcoming games, despite the tight schedules that are ahead in this month, “We think that Jamshedpur is a team that is hard to beat; we believe that they deserve to be on the top of the table. We have met them thrice, including the pre-season. I expect nothing but duels tomorrow. The team that stays concentrated throughout will win the game. We are happy with the effort that our boys are putting in. There are a lot of games coming up in a very short period. We have to be prudent regarding injuries. But yes, it is going to be a tough encounter tomorrow.

“We will give everything. The support and energy we get from our fans provide us with more and more motivation to fight for all the points. Moreover, we are motivated because we are working well. We have a nice attitude and a positive atmosphere, smiling and enjoying playing together. As a coach, it makes me happy to see all those.”

Kerala Blasters
Credits: Kerala Blasters

The revised schedule for what’s left of the Indian Super League was released recently, and Kerala Blasters have a tight schedule coming their way, precisely with three games in seven days in the latter part of February. Moreover, Rahul KP is set to make his return soon with the club. On this, Vukomanović said, “There were some alterations in the calendar due to the COVID outbreak in our camp. Now it’s about how you will modify the training programme, game plan and everything. So, we have to take it game by game. So far, everything is good. We’re expecting Rahul KP to make it back with the team soon as an extra weapon. And on how the calendar is set for us, we cannot complain. We have to adapt and go through all these things. We believe that the boys have enough fuel in them to see this through.

“Talking about any additional pressure, no, we don’t feel it. If you have to be on the top, you must be motivated. We have the passion as well. With the support we’re receiving from the fans, we’ll do everything to be at the top. Anything is possible, anything is obtainable, and we will fight till the very last moment.”

Ivan Vukomanović reassured that there are no injury updates and that everybody is available for tomorrow, except for Jorge Pereyra Díaz, who is suspended for the next match, having accumulated a total of four yellow cards this season.

We had a good conversation and I should be here at Kerala Blasters next season, says Ivan Vukomanović Enes Sipovic
Credits: Kerala Blasters

On an exciting note, Ivan Vukomanović inspirited that he is likely to stay with the club for the next season as well, “Yes, we had a good conversation. I think there will be no problem to see each other next year, and hopefully in Kochi, at our home stadium.”

Puitea on his performance improvement as compared to the last season, “To be honest, I’m getting my playing time now, especially in my original position. I’m glad about that, but it is about hard work. I fight for my place. Moreover, our team is working together as one unit. I believe it will continue like this.

“Of course, every player wants to score, even the goalkeeper. I’m waiting for my first goal this season, but the team is the most important. So, I’m happy as long as we can get the three points. But I hope in the coming games that I can score a goal.”


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