Post-Match Press Conference Kerala Blasters FC suffered a 4-1 loss against NorthEast United FC on Sunday, 18th October 2026, at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, for their second fixture of the MG Indian Super League 2026-27. NorthEast United FC, building upon their home advantage, dominated over the Blasters for a vast majority of the match and earned three points, courtesy of Alaaeddine Ajaraie (15’, 70’), Antonio Moyano (45+3), and Aman CK (83’). Momo Yansane (60’) scored the solitary goal for the Blasters after taking a shot from distance, off a flick from Luna. NorthEast United, who dealt the later stages of the game professionally, ensured that Blasters did not breach their goal further. Following the loss, Ashley Westwood spoke on the team’s performance, the prerequisites of a proper preseason and shared his optimism on the upcoming games. Here is a report of the post-match presser of the match between NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC. Thoughts on the game Speaking after the match, Ashley conceded that the Blasters deserved the defeat following an off-colour performance. However, the manager highlighted the squad’s character in a stronger second-half effort to make it 2-1, maintaining that missed opportunities ultimately cost them a potential comeback. I think that’s just where we are in our season. Obviously, assembled late, there’s no excuses. We lost. We deserved to lose on the first half’s performance. We had a nice reaction after half-time. We scored the goal to make it 2-1. If we could have got another goal with the chances we created, it would have ended differently. We didn’t deserve to win, but at least we showed some reaction. On the team’s fitness improvement and preseason Addressing the squad’s physical conditioning, Ashley admitted that an unsatisfactory preseason had left several players lacking match fitness. He highlighted the vital importance of a thorough preseason campaign, noting that it provides the necessary foundation to test tactical combinations and foster team chemistry. Moving forward, he expressed confidence that the group would learn from these early setbacks, raise their fitness standards, and translate those improvements into positive results. Coming from a low state of fitness, we’ve got to learn about the players. We’ve got loads of new players. We’ve obviously not practised to find out about the new players. Every game, every training session, certainly in defeats, you learn more and more about your team. You learn more and more about who you need to change or swap or give other chances to other people. That’s the reason you have pre-season. That’s the reason you have pre-season friendlies, to learn. You can’t expect to bring five new foreigners. That’s including Luna for me. I don’t know, eight, nine new Indians and expect to click your fingers and start straight away. I’ll learn, we’ll get it right, we’ll watch, we’ll analyse, and we’ll improve again from next week. We’re getting better with our fitness. Lads are lasting 90 minutes, not getting cramps. We’re making different substitutions to try different combinations and solutions and see who’s suited for where. Looking ahead Looking ahead, Kerala Blasters host Mumbai City FC on October 25 before traveling to face Chennaiyin FC on October 31. Despite the recent setback, Ashley struck an optimistic tone, assuring supporters that a single defeat will not derail their campaign. He insisted that with increased work rate and tactical discipline, the squad has every capability to bounce back in the upcoming fixtures. Like I say, this is football. You can’t win every game. We’ve got two more games before we have a little bit of a rest so we can do a bit of catch-up fitness-wise. If we go on to win a game and draw, for example, then you’d have to look at that and go eight points from a possible 12 or seven points, whatever it may be. It would be a good return considering what we’ve done. All we’ve got to do is stay in touch. One loss is not going to change our season. We build on it. We don’t be too down. We just work and work harder.

Kerala Blasters FC succumbed to a 4-1 loss against NorthEast United FC on the 18th October, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. A brace from Alaaeddine Ajaraie and a goal each from Antonio Moyano and Aman CK ensured that the hosts walked away with all three points. Momo Yansane netted the solitary goal for the Blasters.

Kerala Blasters FC have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2026-27 season with the signings of experienced goalkeeper Amrinder Singh and versatile midfielder Mohammad Yasir. Both players have joined the squad at the club’s pre-season camp in Chennai and have begun preparations alongside their new teammates. They will remain with the Blasters until the end of the 2026–27 season. Amrinder Singh joins Kerala Blasters with a wealth of experience at the highest level of Indian football. The 33 year old goalkeeper arrives from Odisha FC, having previously represented several leading clubs in the Indian Super League, including Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan. A proven performer between the posts, Amrinder has made more than 150 ISL appearances during his career and has also represented the Indian national team. He was part of Mumbai City FC’s historic 2020–21 season, when the club won both the ISL League Winners’ Shield and the ISL Cup. Known for his positioning, shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure, Amrinder brings valuable experience to the Blasters’ goalkeeping department. His presence will add depth and healthy competition to the position while providing the squad with an experienced voice at the back. Mohammad Yasir joins the Blasters from FC Goa, bringing creativity, versatility and considerable ISL experience to the squad. The 27-year-old midfielder has been a consistent presence in Indian top-flight football, having previously represented FC Pune City, Hyderabad FC and FC Goa. Capable of operating in multiple attacking positions, Yasir offers flexibility to the coaching staff and can be deployed across the midfield and wide areas. A technically gifted player, Yasir is known for his close control, ability to carry the ball forward and his creativity in the final third. His movement and versatility provide the Blasters with additional options in possession and add further depth to the team’s attacking unit. Yasir has also represented India at senior international level, making his debut for the national team in 2021. The arrivals of Amrinder Singh and Mohammad Yasir add experience and versatility to a Kerala Blasters squad preparing for the new season. While Amrinder strengthens the goalkeeping department with his experience and leadership, Yasir adds further flexibility and creativity to the midfield and attacking options. With both players already part of the pre-season camp in Chennai, they will continue working with the squad as the Blasters build towards the start of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season.

Kerala Blasters FC signed off their Indian Super League 2025-26 campaign in style with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Monday night.

Kerala Blasters FC return home one final time this season as they prepare to face FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, with momentum and belief.

The Blasters extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a commanding 3-1 win over Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday night. Despite dominating large spells of the first half, the Blasters found themselves behind in the 42nd minute after Mahitosh Roy struck from distance for the visitors. The response, however, was immediate. Just two minutes later, Francisco Feuillassier brought Blasters level, calmly finishing off a perfectly weighted through ball from Kévin Yoke to ensure the sides went into the break tied at 1-1. The second half belonged to KBFC. Ashley Westwood’s men resumed with intensity and control, continuing to dictate possession and create chances. Their pressure paid off in the 58th minute when Víctor Bertomeu rose highest to head home Yoke’s pinpoint delivery and give Blasters the lead. With momentum firmly in their favour, the hosts continued to push forward. Substitute Sreekuttan M S nearly added a third soon after, rattling the crossbar with a deflected effort. The youngster eventually got his goal in the 74th minute. Feuillassier turned provider this time, lifting a clever ball into the box for Sreekuttan to tap home and cap off a well-worked move. Mohammedan’s night went from bad to worse late on when Amarjit Singh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, as the Blasters comfortably saw out the remainder of the contest. Franchu was named Player of the Match after an influential display that included a goal and an assist, while Yoke’s creativity proved central to Kerala’s attacking dominance with two assists to his name. The result moves Kerala Blasters FC up to 8th in the Indian Super League standings with 14 points from 12 matches. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Up Next: The Blasters take on FC Goa in their final game of the season at home on 18th May. Get your tickets now for #KBFCFCG: https://www.district.in/events/isl-2025-26-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-fc-goa-buy-tickets