Goal against Bengaluru FC changed a lot of things – Rahul KP

Kerala Blasters FC mid-fielder Rahul KP had an impressive season for his club in the seventh season of the Hero Indian Super League. The 21-year old rose through the ranks and he must have grown in confidence after his impressive performance.

The youngster scored three goals in the 17 matches he played for the club, in what was his second edition for the Kerala Blasters in the Hero Indian Super League.

Meanwhile, Rahul KP scored a fine goal in the stoppage time in the match against Bengaluru FC. Gary Hooper provided a perfect assist to Rahul KP and the Indian midfielder was able to show great dribbling skills to flummox Leon Augustin before striking the ball with fierce force to go through Bengaluru FC goal-keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s defense.

“​I always love to score goals. That goal changed a lot of things,” Rahul told Goal.com. 

He went on: “Before that, we had lost two points against SC East Bengal [following a 1-1 draw]. I was really disappointed. The Bengaluru FC match was the trigger. 

“We also know about the fans — one mistake and you are crucified. I was really stressed and not happy with the performance. And then I got the moment, thank god for that, everything changed after that. “ 

Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters didn’t had great season as they finished at the 10th place in the points table as they could only win three matches out of the 20 they played. Rahul is satiated with his own performance but feels the players as well as the coach should take the responsibility of the team’s dismal show.

“The more games you play, you improve. Playing 17 matches is not bad. It is a positive thing to play that many games. It has been amazing — not really a rollercoaster ride but still happy to score three goals. 

“I am not satisfied with my individual performance and that of the team. I don’t know what went wrong. I don’t know if it’s due to the coach or the players. Whoever plays should shoulder the responsibility, that’s what I feel,” he said.

After his impressive performance in the seventh edition of the Hero ISL, Rahul has made the cut into 35-man preliminary squad for the two International friendlies against Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The first match will take place against Oman at the Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium on 25th March.