Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic has expressed confidence that his team can get the result they want in the first knockout match against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Friday.
Both teams won one match against one another earlier in the season. Kerala Blasters had won by 3-2 while playing in Kochi whereas Bengaluru FC had got a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture in February.
Meanwhile, the Tuskers, who had finished the previous season as the runners-up, won 10 matches in the league stage and finished at fifth place in the standings with 31 points.
However, Kerala Blasters don’t have the impetus on their side as they lost their last three matches of the league stage, including a 1-0 loss against the Blues.
“You always have two things in mind when you are about to play any game; the thing we will do when we have the ball in our possession and when we do not have control of the ball. So, the way we attack and defend in those moments will matter against Bengaluru FC. In the last game against the same opponents, we had a lot of possession, but we lost the game, so it does not mean a lot at the end, and we need to find a way to get the results in knockout games,” Vukomanovic said during the official pre-match press conference.
On the other hand, Bengaluru FC has won their last eight matches on the bounce but Vukomanovic has expressed confidence in his players.
“Many teams in the league have had winning runs like the one for Bengaluru FC, every team has momentum once in a season when you are doing well. Anything is possible in the Hero ISL, football is a beautiful game, and we have full belief and faith in the team to get the result. We will do everything to get the qualification. It does not matter what form a team is in because when it comes to the playoffs, it is about one game,” he said.
The Serb feels the knockout match will be a perfect opportunity for the young players to grab their chance and prove their mettle in the big game.
“When you speak about young players and they become senior players who play for the first team, the chance to play big games helps you grow into the game. When you are a quality player, it does not matter if you are playing in the playoffs or the final, we believe in the ability they possess, so it is up to them to make a mark and start their career. They need to have the knowledge of working hard and becoming an important part of the squad. We are happy with the progress of many young players who are getting the chance. In football, age does not matter when you have the quality, that is how we look at our squad,” Vukomanovic stated.
