We controlled the game in first half but it was disappointing to lose – Mikael Stahre after loss against Hyderabad FC

Kerala Blasters FC head coach Mikael Stahre was disappointed after his team’s 2-1 loss against Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on Thursday.

Stahre said they played according to the game plan when Jesus Jimenez scored in the 13th minute. However, the gaffer was disappointed after they conceded towards the fag end of the opening half when Andrei Alba scored in the 43rd minute.

Alba once again scored in the 70th minute to put his team in front. The home team had 64.5% possession but could only take two shots on target.

“I think we came out really well; I think we played exactly like the game plan we addressed. We used the wide areas and created lots of one-against-one, and we did, so the first goal was exactly according to the game plan,” Stahre said in the post-match press conference.

“I think we controlled the game pretty well in the first half, then out of the blue we conceded 1-1; it was way too weak in their own box. Then we changed; we put in Noah (Sadaoui) in the second half; of course, it was a disappointment to concede that goal quite late (in the first half),” he added.

Meanwhile, Korou Singh became the third youngest player to start an ISL match at 17 years and 340 days. Stahre showered praise on the youngster, stating he has got all the talent.

 “Of course, I see him as a really big talent; he has been with us a few weeks; he came back from a national team, and he impressed in training sessions and also in reserve games, so he came in well against Mumbai City FC, and it was a quite easy decision for me to play him in this game.”

“To sub him out was easy to do; he was completely tired and he lacked energy; he also conceded a yellow card, so it was a no-brainer, but you will definitely see more of him in the future,” Stahre signed off.

Kerala Blasters FC will next face Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on 24th November.