Kerala Blasters FC head coach David Catala reckons mindset change was crucial in defeating East Bengal FC in the round of 16 clash of the Kalinga Super Cup. The Yellow Tuskers registered a 2-0 win against the Red and Gold Brigade.
In the 40th minute, Anwar Ali made an defensive error and Jesus Jimenez was able to convert from a spot kick. Noah Sadaoui then scored a scintillating individual goal to seal the game for the Blasters.
“I wanted to change the mentality of these players, and they showed me that they still want to compete, that they have a soul, and that I have to be very proud of the work of all of them against East Bengal FC. And let’s go, let’s continue — there’s nothing done yet, of course, a lot of things to improve, but it’s a small step that we took,” the coach said during the post-match press conference.
Meanwhile, David Catala took over from interim head coach TG Purushothaman ahead of the Kalinga Super Cup. Catala said changing mentality was really important to get the best out of the players.
“For me, the most important thing was to try and change a little bit of the mentality that they had because I understand them. It was a very difficult and very tough season for them, with high expectations. Trying to recover this mentality, to make them understand and make them believe in this Super Cup, and how we need to compete in it — for me, this was the most important,” Catala stated.
“After that, we tried to put our ideas to work. Of course, in 20 days, it’s not easy to try to change many things. But now, I recognise that I have to be very proud of these players because their effort has been amazing,” he added.
Kerala Blasters will next take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the quarterfinal clash and they will have their work cut out.
“Now we have to be ready. We have to now think about Mohun Bagan Super Giant, how they’re going to play, how we can cause damage, how we can recover our best feelings for the game. And that’s it. We have five days to try to give our best. And for sure, my mission right now is to try to not go down, to keep the same spirit, the same effort that they have shown me every day in training,” the coach said as he concluded.
