Lots of positives to take from the game, says Ivan Vukomanovic despite loss against Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC defeated Kerala Blasters 1-0 in their recent fixture in the Indian Super League. Naorem Roshan Singh scored a fantastic freekick goal to make the difference between the two sides as the Blues reclaimed their position in the top four.

Kerala Blasters have struggled with the COVID-19 outbreak in their bubble and have been on a break for the last couple of weeks. They have only got a couple of training sessions before coming to this game.

After the loss, Ivan Vukomanovic addressed the media highlighting the ambitions of Kerala Blasters in the season ahead. Despite the loss, Vukomanovic was proud of his team’s efforts against Bengaluru FC.

“It happens in football, that even if you’re better and you lose the game, the feeling is not the same. What I’ve to say, what I just said to our players in the dressing room – after everything that has happened in the last two weeks, all the things going around, I’ve to say that I’m really proud. I’m really proud seeing those boys coming out with so much passion, such a commitment, wanting to compete and wanting to play after everything that’s happened,” the Serbian tactician quipped.

Despite the loss, Kerala Blasters are third in the ISL points table and are in a great position to qualify for the playoffs. Vukomanovic highlights how far the Blasters have come under him.

“Since we started, we were never talking about the top four. The circumstances and the situations we are in now, we have the chance to be in the top four. We must never forget that we were the team second from the bottom last year. We’re coming from far away,” Ivan Vukomanovic expressed.

Kerala Blasters had the lion’s share of possession and create many opportunities but were not clinical enough to bury those chances.

Vukomanovic pointed out the positives that the Blasters and their fans can take from this game against Bengaluru FC. “Mentality, commitment, passion, the friendship, the great energy the team had in the dressing room and on the pitch. Seeing them so happy with a smile, playing with the energy, wanting to win every game. It makes me happy.”

Kerala Blasters will be looking to bounce back in form when they take on underwhelming NorthEast United on the 4th of February.