ISL 2023-24: Our whole defence was good, says Kerala Blasters FC’s Frank Dauwen after win against Punjab FC

Kerala Blasters FC assistant coach Frank Dauwen was delighted with the team’s defense after their 1-0 win against Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday.

Dimitrios Diamantakos continued his good form as he scored his fifth goal of the season through a penalty in the 51st minute of the game.

The Yellow Tuskers had 59.1% of possession and took three shots on target. This win helped KBFC bag their sixth victory of the season, taking their tally to 20 points from 10 games, level on points with table-toppers FC Goa.

“Our defence was good. We played for the first time with two foreign players (in central defence). Normally we play with one foreign player and one Indian but Luna was not fit to play and we made that change. We played out (from the back) with a good organisation. I think the whole defence was good,” Dauwen stated in the post-match press conference.

Dauwen added they had full control of the game in the first half but they could not make the most of their chances against the Shers.

“In the first half, we had control of the game. We had some good offensive actions but we couldn’t score (the second goal),” Dauwen reflected.

“In the second minute, we hit the crossbar I think and then we had control without big chances. In the second half, I told the players to press Punjab FC’s defence higher and then we had a penalty. That was a good one. But in football as long as its 1-0 or a one-goal difference, then it’s difficult in the end. We had a lot of chances. We had some good chances to score the second goal and to kill the game,” he added.

Kerala Blasters FC will next take on Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on 24th December and they will want to carry the good show.