Kerala Blasters were in sublime touch as they handed Chennaiyin FC their second defeat of the current Indian Super League campaign. Goals from Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Sahal Abdul Samad and Adrian Luna powered Ivan Vukomanovic’s men to victory.
The win resulted in the Blasters breaking into the top four for the first time this season. Head coach Vukomanovic is delighted with his players and their performance against the Marina Machans. He highlighted how the turn of events is a result of the work put in by the players and their change in mentality.
“In football there are several things, but first of all, it’s hard work and belief and commitment to the team and the hard work, the belief that you can win every game. These boys, the mentality and mindset they are showing and also the hard work that they put in makes me proud of them,” Ivan Vukomanovic began at the post-match press conference.
Vukomanovic pointed out how he knew that the match against Chennaiyin FC was going to be tough. The Serbian tactician already knew that their defence will be tough to break down. So he had his plans ready to counter the Marina Machans.
“We knew beforehand that Chennaiyin FC has the best defence so far. We knew it will be a tough game with their defensive shape and low block and we knew that in certain moments with our high pressing, we have to be clinical and very quick in our decision-making, trying to find free men and then finishing the actions,” Vukomanovic replied when questioned about his plans about Chennaiyin FC.
“Hence, we had an idea, we had a strategy how to attack the game and in what part of the pitch to add pressure. So I’m pleased that the boys understood what we asked of them. We are pleased with the three points and the 3-0 scoreline,” the Serbian tactician continued.
Despite consecutive clean sheet, Vukomanovic does not want to stop here. He feels that the Blasters still have a long way to go to become an unbeatable team. “We have huge confidence in all our players. Of course, the clean sheets can boost our confidence even more and can go a long way in making us an unbeatable team. That’s what we want to continue to do, the 44-year-old concluded.
After losing the first game 4-2 against ATK Mohun Bagan, the Blasters have not lost a single game. However, it is only recently that they have picked up the tempo. Wins against Mumbai City and Chennaiyin FC will boost their morale immensely going forward.
Kerala Blasters will face Jamshedpur FC next in the Indian Super League and with intentions of keeping a place in the top four, Vukomanovic’s men will have to continue their winning run.
