ISL 2022-23: I am high on confidence for this season – Bijoy Varghese

Kerala Blasters FC’s Bijoy Varghese has expressed his optimism before the start of the upcoming season of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23. The 22-year-old was recently part of the Kerala Blasters academy side which took on Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace in the Next Gen Cup.

Varghese said that he is determined to prove his mettle in the upcoming season of the league. The youngster had made his debut for Kerala Blasters FC in their opening match against ATK Mohun Bagan.

He played five matches for the Tuskers and played an instrumental part in taking his team to the final, where they lost to Hyderabad FC on penalties.

While speaking to Sportskeeda, Varghese revealed what kind of changes we can expect from him in the upcoming season as compared to the previous edition.

Varghese said, “I had long hair then, now I don’t. That’s the difference (laughs). It did not work out when I played in a ponytail last season. Let’s see if it will make any difference when I play with shorter hair this term. Jokes aside, I’m high on confidence this season. If I get a chance, I’ll surely prove myself. 100%. Some fans may suggest I shouldn’t play, let them say anything, I’m not bothered about it. Even if I play a match poorly, it won’t affect my confidence. My confidence is in my hands. I’m sure I’ll prove myself one day and those who turn their backs on me will return. I’m not bothered if someone abuses me. My attitude is to turn my doubters into fans.”

Varghese was given a three-year contract extension and the youngster revealed that the club expects him to deliver in the upcoming season. Thus, he has received such an offer from the management.

He said, “Kerala Blasters did not say anything like that, but I could feel that they trust me and have high hopes for me. I was happy to extend my contract for three years because this is my club. I didn’t have to think long and hard about it, I just signed the deal.”

He continued, “Kerala Blasters is an emotion for me. I always used to watch Kerala Blasters’ matches at home. I remember wanting to reach these heights but never expected that I would actually do it, that too with Kerala Blasters. It is a dream come true for me.”

Kerala Blasters FC will kick off their ISL 2022-23 campaign against Emami East Bengal in the season’s curtain raiser on October 7 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.