ISL 2023-24: We lacked experience, says Kerala Blasters FC’s Ivan Vukomanovic after FC Goa loss

Kerala Blasters FC’s head coach Ivan Vukomanovic admitted they lacked experience after their 1-0 loss against FC Goa in the match week 8 of the Indian Super League at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Sunday.

Rowlin Borges scored for the home team at the brink of half-time to give three crucial points to his team. Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters had 51.3 % possession whereas they took a total of three shots on target but could not make the most of their chances.

The Yellow Tuskers are currently in second place in the standings with five wins in nine matches and two draws and as many losses.

“We knew that it would be a tough game, especially knowing that Goa is a very experienced team with experienced players. We are like the youngest team in the league. I think that we miss a little bit of experience of playing these kinds of games where it goes around one chance, one goal, one set piece and then the chances that you have, you have to try to savour them,” stated Vukomanovic in the post-match press conference.

The Serbian gave his gratitude to the Kerala Blasters fans who traveled in huge numbers to Goa to support their team.

“You know, even wherever we go around India, even when we go in North-East, in Goa or wherever, our fans will be there because the energy and the emotion that it is created in Kerala between fans and our club and our team is, is priceless,” he said

“The boys, they like that, the people they like them. And actually, in the last two and a half years, I’d say that something was created that we respect each other. We like to play in front of those fans. They like to come and watch us, especially when we play at home. And that’s something that every club should be proud of. We are proud to have this kind of fans. Big thanks to them for travelling here and supporting us today,” he added.

On the upcoming matches of Kerala Blasters, Vukomanovic said, “We don’t know what’s happening later in January. So (we are) fully concentrating on the games (on) 14th, 24th and 27th (December). And then we’ll see, after that.”

Kerala Blasters FC will next take on Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi on 14th December.