ISL 2023-24: Could’ve got something more against Bengaluru FC – Kerala Blasters FC’s Ivan Vukomanovic after loss

Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic feels they could have got something more against Bengaluru FC after their 1-0 loss in the 18th match week of the Indian Super League at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday.

When it looked like that both teams would share a point, Javi Hernandez scored in the 89th minute to help the Blues take all three points.

Meanwhile, the Yellow Tuskers could only have 45.1 possession and they took a solitary attempt on target.

“Of course, it’s disappointing when you lose the game like that, especially at the end. In a total picture, I think the boys were good today. They had that motivation to fight and give everything on the pitch and leave their heart for the team. As a coach, I’m happy about that. On the other hand, we knew that this kind of game will be tough in a way where there will not be a lot of chances. Both teams wanted to have that security, compact lines, not allowing the opponent to create something serious,” he said in the post-match press conference.

He added: “Even in the first part of the first half we were suffering a little bit, trying to find our grip on the pitch. Later, after the first water break, or even before that, we got the movements we wanted and how to close down certain things and at the end of the first half, we were in a position that we actually wanted. In the second half, I think in the beginning, we were a little bit better, creating better things again than our opponent. But when you play against these kinds of teams and these kinds of games.. It will be tough, it will be close. In these kinds of games, you cannot hope that you will get 20 chances.”

The Serbian acknowledged the challenges his team had to face while playing against Bengaluru FC away from home.

“From their goalkeeper, defence line to midfield, they have five or six of them (in the) starting eleven for the national team. And when you fit a couple of good and quality foreign players there, it’s a hell of a team. And when you face them in this kind of an environment, you know that it will be tough. We had our chances. We had some moments (to score),” he said.

The gaffer backed his team to bounce back in the upcoming matches after this loss against the Blues.

“In the end, it’s disappointing to lose the game. I think that we could have got something more. We’ll sleep over and continue. We have five more games left to fight to stay among the top teams and try to get into the playoffs,” he expressed.

Kerala Blasters FC will next take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on 13th March.