ISL 2022-23: We need to show more personality: Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic

Kerala Blasters FC had a successful run in the previous season under the tutelage of Ivan Vukomanovic as the Tuskers were able to qualify for the finals. Thus, Vukomanovic was one of the few coaches in the league who was able to retain his role.

However, it hasn’t been an ideal start to the ninth edition for the Yellow Army as they have suffered three losses in four matches they have played. They have managed only one win so far in the tournament and they are currently lingering at the bottom of the points table.

After a poor start to the season, Ivan Vukomanovic reckons the players need to show more personality in their game in the upcoming matches of the tournament.

Kerala Blasters FC suffered a 0-2 against Mumbai City FC on Friday while playing at home at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.

Sharing his thoughts on the match, Vukomanovic said in the press conference, “In the last couple of days, we have spoken in the team talks on how to be aggressive from the first moment and be present in the duels. We have to be concentrated on the defending set pieces. All these small details will make difference in these kinds of games. This is an unbearable truth in football. In the first half, we were not sharp enough and we were not good enough. If we miss those things against a good team, we will be punished. After the first half, in the dressing room, we had to fix certain things. Afterwards, we were dominating, won duels, and second balls, and created chances. I think if we managed to play the first half like the second half, then the result would be the opposite. As a coach, it makes me unhappy and frustrated because we know we can do it. So, in the last match, we failed in the first half and it led to a defeat.”

Vukomanovic urged his players to be more focused during the game and win the little battles on the field to come out on top.

He added, “We need to be concentrated all the time, especially while defending set pieces, and we can’t afford to miss the balls and not afford to miss the duels and being aggressive in duels. We must have this part in our mind that we want to win the duels, want to kick the ball out, and try to score when you attack. We have to show our mentality and strong personality like how we did the last year. Not only in Hero ISL, but in any game around the world, if you wanted to win against a strong opponent, you need to be aggressive and close your opponent and particularly when you play at home, we must show that we have something extra. These are small details that make a difference. In the last match because we had better possession, completed passes and other technical aspects but we ended up losing, so we must focus on these aspects in the next games.”

Kerala Blasters FC will play their next match against NorthEast United FC at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Saturday.