‘It’s a stupid format’ – Kerala Blasters’ Ivan Vukomanovic on the ISL’s double legged semifinals ahead of match against Jamshedpur FC

Kerala Blasters are all set to feature against Indian Super League’s Shield Winners Jamshedpur FC in the first leg of the semifinals. The Blasters finished fourth in the ISL points table and therefore they will have to play the league leaders.

Heading into the game, the Blasters have only managed to win once against Jamshedpur FC. So it is an added pressure on the Yellow Army to get something from the game. However Ivan Vukomanovic feels that it is a new day and a new opportunity for them. He stated, “They are a physically tough team. Now, it’s a new chapter, there is a new fight, it’s a new day so it will be different.”

He shared how his team needs to be confident and tough on themselves to match the level of their opponents. “We are very confident. If you want to win games and if you want to be stronger than your opponent, you have to be tough. Our opponent has been like this throughout the league and you want to beat this type of team, you have to go like this only,” Vukomanovic added.

The Blasters are on a three-game unbeaten run and has scored 10 goals in that time. So it will be a great match up as they will take on the in-form Jamshedpur FC who are fresh off winning the ISL Shield.

Lastly, Kerala Blasters’ head coach shared his opinion on ISL’s double legged semifinals format. He shared how bizarre the format is because there is no point to play a double legged semifinal because there is no home and away rule in this edition of the Indian Super League.

“I don’t like that we play two matches. I think it’s a stupid format. It should be just one game but anyway it will be an open fight,” Vukomanovic commented.

But he feels that both the matches against Jamshedpur FC will be very open and tough matches. “Tough games, many duels, fights, many fouls. It is always like that against Jamshedpur.

“We have noticed that this year anybody can beat anybody. Small details can influence any game and can make a difference,” concluded Vukomanovic.

It will be interesting to see how Kerala Blasters will fare against the inform Jamshedpur FC in the semifinals. The equations from the league phase will change totally as knockouts’ dynamics is very different and exciting.