Kerala Blasters’ Head Coach Mikael Stahre and Winger KP Rahul addressed the media on Thursday ahead of their away match against Mohammedan SC, set to kick off on October 20th at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata.
Marking their debut in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024 -25 season, and despite being a new entrant, Mohammedan SC has already made its presence felt with impressive performances against the likes of FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC. The coach revealed that despite drawing their last two away matches, Kerala Blasters are confident going into the game.
THE HUNGER TO WIN
“We know that every game in the ISL is competitive,” the coach stated, emphasising the intensity both teams will bring to the match. “Mohammedan SC has a hunger to prove themselves, but so do we. It’s normal in football to face a team that is equally determined to win.”
LESSONS FROM THE PREVIOUS GAME
The Blasters are coming off a draw in their last two away matches, where they struggled to convert chances into goals. “We had our opportunities, but we couldn’t finish,” the coach noted. “We need to learn from that performance and be more clinical in front of goal against Mohammedan SC.”
CONFIDENCE AFTER PREPARATION
Despite drawing their last two away matches, the Blasters are approaching this game with confidence. “We’ve had good preparation during the FIFA break,” the coach remarked. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our progress and winning in Kolkata.”
CLEAR ROLES REDUCE PRESSURE
KP Rahul highlighted the importance of clarity in their game plan. “The coach gives us precise instructions during training, which helps eliminate confusion on the pitch. When we play as a unit, we can focus on our roles without feeling pressure.”
MENTORING THE NEXT GENERATION
As a senior player, Rahul is committed to motivating younger teammates. “You have to fight for your position, regardless of your time at the club,” he explained. “The player who performs best should play. I also prioritise my physical and mental fitness and mentor younger players on proper care, including sleep and nutrition.”
DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS ARE KEY
The coach acknowledged concerns about their defensive performance, particularly the lack of clean sheets. “While I love clean sheets, the priority is winning,” he said. “We can improve our defence, but we’re not struggling. We’ve only played four games this season.”
Discussing goalkeeper Sachin Suresh, the coach expressed confidence in his abilities. “Sachin is a great goalkeeper coming back from injury. Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s crucial not to repeat them. We trust our players to learn and grow from any errors.”
READY TO FIGHT
With the match just days away, the team is focused on securing a win. “We’re traveling to Kolkata with the sole purpose of winning,” the coach reiterated. “We know it will be a tough game, but we’re ready to fight even harder and play smart football.”
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