ISL 2024-25: Overall, it was a pretty even game, says Mikael Stahre on draw against NorthEast United FC

Kerala Blasters FC head coach Mikael Stahre admitted it was a pretty even game after a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday.

After both teams failed to find the back of the net in the first half, Alaeddine Ajaraie scored his third goal of the season to put his team in front. However, Kerala Blasters FC equalized when Noah Sadaoui scored in the 67th minute.

The Yellow Tuskers took five shots on target and had 58.9% possession against the hosts.

“Football is a complex game. You have to handle many situations. We’ve created big chances, especially at the end of the game. It’s just not about the strike; we have to be more precise to finish off better,” he said in the post-match press conference.

“In one way, I’m pleased with the point; in another way, I didn’t like how we controlled the last part (of the game) after the red card. We have to be in this game. I think one point came out; it was a good first half, and they (NorthEast United FC) also created some big chances. Overall, it was a pretty even game,” he continued sharing his assessment of the match.

When quizzed about their overall performance in the league, the Swedish head coach remarked,“You have to analyze every single game. The Punjab FC game was not a good one; (Jesus) Jimenez equalized in the last minute, and we lost the game in the dying seconds. It was really a hurt one. Then we won 2-1 against East Bengal FC. We played 1-1 away against a very good team (NorthEast United FC).

“I’m not happy, but I’m not extremely unhappy. We can do much better. We are still solid and taking points. It’s just the beginning, and I feel we will be better and better, actually. I think we are on the right track,” he added.

Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters FC captain Adrian Luna made a comeback as he was substituted in the 80th minute after missing the last two matches due to illness.

“Luna is an important player for us. It was important minutes to put him on the pitch again.”

“Things will be better and better. I expect him to be in better shape after the FIFA break in a few weeks,” he signed off.

Kerala Blasters FC will next take on Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on 3rd October.