Kerala Blasters FC’s new recruit Som Kumar feels the expectations are lofty at the club. Kumar has played in three matches of the ongoing Durand Cup and he has kept two clean sheets for the Yellow Tuskers.

Kumar joined the Blasters on a long-term deal until 2028 during the summer. The 19-year-old has the experience of playing for NK Bravo U17, NK Krka U17, and Olimpija U19 after starting his professional career in Slovenia.

Kumar has played a key role in helping Kerala Blasters reach the quarterfinals of the Durand Cup, where they will take on Bengaluru FC on Friday.

Sharing his first-day experience at the club, an excited Kumar said, “Well, my first day was special. I was excited to join this big club. I watched so many videos of the fans, and I was always curious to see how it worked, and I was really excited to get started.”

“Before I joined Kerala Blasters FC, I wasn’t so aware of how big the fan group was, and now I think the expectations are really high. So I think that motivates me to play at my best,” Kumar commented.

The youngster said the aim is to win the trophy in the upcoming season for the ever-supportive fans.

“For this season, I think the goal is to win a trophy. I think the fans deserve it. They pay their hard-earned money to come and support us in the stadium. Almost every game is jam-packed. So I think, for them, we have to win a title, and I think they completely deserve it,” he remarked.

“Personally, I think, from a 19-year-old, it’s really big expectations, but I think it’s at the same time not an excuse. So I think to keep as many clean sheets as I can and keep the ball as far away as I can from the goal,” he signed off.