ISL 2023-24: We had to deliver a very good defensive game: Kerala Blasters FC’s Ivan Vukomanovic

Kerala Blasters’ head coach Ivan Vukomanovic was delighted after their 1-0 win against Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday. Vukomanovic reckons they had to deliver defensively in order to get the desired result.

Miloš Drinčić scored for the Yellow Tuskers in the 41st minute to give a decisive lead to his team. The home team was able to take two shots on target but in the end, they got the result they wanted and thus three points after International brea.

“It’s always difficult to regain your shape and rhythm (after a break). We knew (it would be difficult), facing this Hyderabad FC (team) who has nothing to lose with good players and good individual quality. In the end, we are happy with the three points, and that’s the only thing that matters. In the beginning of ISL, you know that you have to fight for the points and collect them. Sometimes, you have to forget about the beauty of (playing beautiful) football because if you want to stay high up the table, you have to collect points,” he explained.

Kerala Blasters FC’s midfield trio of Danish Farooq, Vibin Mohanan, and Mohammed Aimen played a crucial role in the success of the team. Vukomanovic was happy with the midfielders’ performance and showered praise on the trio.

“Hyderabad FC has two central midfield players, and we wanted (Adrian) Luna always to drop a little bit behind, and with our two midfielders, it always creates a three against two (situation). When you have players like Vibin, Aimen, Danish… They are people who can run a lot. They are people taking the duels, quick and brave,” he said.

“At the moment when the ball goes in a certain area, they know how they have to go and press, how they have to close down the central midfield and not allow them to build up through there and push them towards the side… And then cover that space. They did a good job. They are young guys, but they are improving, which makes me really happy,” he further added.

Kerala Blasters FC will next take on Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Wednesday.