ISL 2023-24: It was a tough game for both sides – Kerala Blasters FC’s Ivan Vukomanovic after win against Hyderabad FC

Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic admitted it was a tough game for both sides after their 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC in the 21st match week of the ongoing Indian Super League at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad on Friday as the game was a dead-rubber.

Mohammed Aimen scored in the 34th minute for the Yellow Tuskers to put them in front. Subsequently, Japanese footballer Daisuke Sakai scored in the 51st minute to double the hosts’ lead. Nihal Sudeesh then scored in the 81st minute but Joao Victor scored a consolation goal for the home team.

Vukomanovic showered praise on the young players of Hyderabad FC, who showed great fight throughout the season.

“For us, this was one of the most difficult games of the season. It was one of the games where there was no result of importance for either side. When you see and think about what both teams have been going through this season.. This kind of game today was a tough one for both sides,” he said in the post-match press conference.

He added: “For one side, Hyderabad FC, these young group of players deserve one medal for this season for what they have been going through with all the issues and problems. Being there present with enthusiasm and motivation, so big praise for them. Congratulations to them for this kind of season to stay motivated every game. On the other hand, I have to say big praise for our team because today again we had a couple of players playing the position which they are not used to playing. We are suffering with some issues, some cards that we didn’t want to take risk today.”

“Again, the feeling of playing this last game where it was already decided (we would be heading).. We wanted to win, we wanted to get those points for us as an important positive, mental boost for the next week for the playoffs. It was kind of a weird feeling, not having that high motivation. But yet again, you have to be motivated and concentrated for everything. Today we managed to do that. It was a tough game, it was difficult against the young team of Hyderabad FC. Their young players have a promising, nice future. I’m happy with the result and three points.”

Mohammed Aimen and Nihal Sudeesh scored their respective maiden ISL goals and the Serbian manager was delighted with the youngster’s performance.

“Now it’s my third season at the club. Since season one we discovered a couple of young talents like Nihal, Vibin, Sachin, Azhar and Aimen. There are still a couple of youngsters. Tonight on the bench there was Aritra (Das). There are a couple of them also at home. That’s the future. That’s the part of football. If you don’t produce these kinds of players, very soon you will stay without players. If you want to stay alive with a limited budget, which some clubs have, they have to do that. It’s your asset for the future. Maybe you can sell some of them when they grow up, they become important players,” Vukomanovic expressed.

Kerala Blasters FC finished the league stage in fifth place with 10 wins in 22 matches, thus securing their playoff berth.