Football

Kerala Blasters head coach criticizes conditions in Kolkata ahead of Durand Cup clash against Delhi FC

 

Kerala Blasters will be up against Delhi FC in their final Durand Cup fixture as they need a win to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. The Blasters are tied in the second spot with the Indian Navy and they need to win against a strong Delhi FC side.

Ahead of the match head coach Ivan Vukomanovic addressed the media and spoke at length about the conditions in Kolkata.

However, the press conference started with him discussing the previous game as the Blasters received three red cards against Bengaluru FC. The Serbian tactician said, “First half, we had control of the game with a goal. In the second half, I think the officials lost a kind of grip of the game, that affected the fact that some of the players and their reactions on the pitch. I think that the red card, they get correctly, okay. But, I think that it should have never happened. I think that even if they are provoked or they lose, they should not respond like that.

“Of course, I was not pleased with their reaction and I told them afterwards. So actually, their biggest punishment will be tomorrow, they will not be personally participating in the games and actually, also for the future. It also gives us the coaching staff, kind of insight about playing games. So, we’ll see for the next time. I think that we had the game under control,” he further added.

Speaking about preparations for the do or die match, Vukomanovic highlighted how the conditions were not favourable in Kolkata. He spoke about how the team has not had a proper training session ahead of the game.

“Since we arrived in Kolkata, we have only had five training sessions. We couldn’t train the day before our games because the training grounds are under water. And today is the same case, heavy rain started again last night and we’ve been visiting the training grounds to see if it will be possible to train because we have our training for this afternoon. Most probably we will not be able to go on the pitch, because all the training grounds are underwater. Yesterday we had one training session and the last training we had was seven days ago. I think this part of the pre-season period is total time wasting,” Vukomanovic revealed.

“I think that tomorrow if we speak about a football game, it will not look like a football game, it will just be rolling in the mud. We will see about the players who will participate or not, because, again, today would be the third time that we cannot train the day before the game. Even tomorrow it will be like fighting in the bottom and it won’t look like a football game. We have to proceed with our ISL pre-season period preparation, still with these last reinforcements,” he further added.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

18 years, one trophy, endless emotions: How RCB became IPL champions

And so, after pipping Punjab Kings by six runs in front of over 91,000 spectators… Read More

June 4, 2025

Virat Kohli and RCB crowned IPL champions after 18 seasons

After 18 seasons, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have finally won the IPL for the first time… Read More

June 4, 2025

What’s Next for Alex Pereira After Losing the Belt at UFC 313?

On March 8, 2025, at UFC 313, the light heavyweight landscape shifted as Alex Pereira… Read More

June 3, 2025

Breaking Down the Zig-Zag Theory in the NBA Playoffs

The Zig-Zag Theory has long been a go-to strategy among NBA playoff bettors, built on… Read More

June 3, 2025

IPL 2025 Final: RCB’s stronger bowling gives them edge over Punjab in high-stakes clash

We are finally at the final stop in this Indian Premier League season and what… Read More

June 3, 2025

India Eyes Redemption at Indonesia Open as Satwik-Chirag and Sindhu Lead the Charge

Former champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty headline India’s contingent at the prestigious Indonesia Open… Read More

June 3, 2025