“We need to be more aggressive in duels and also show more personality,” says Kerala Blasters boss Ivan Vukomanovic after three consecutive defeats

Kerala Blasters last season played a great brand of football and it took them to the Indian Super League finals. However they were just a little short as they lost to Hyderabad FC on penalties. But the Yellow Army have shown faith in their head coach Ivan Vukomanovic and his style of play. Despite a few players leaving the club, the fans were hopeful that they will be doing well this season. But that has not been the case for the Kerala Blasters.

Apart from winning against East Bengal in their opening clash, Vukomanovic’s men have lost all the next three matches against Odisha, ATK Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC. They have already conceded 10 goals in four matches and have managed to score only six goals.

However, ahead of their next match against NorthEast United, Vukomanovic highlights the areas that his team has gone wrong against Mumbai City. He shared how they need to be more clinical when they get a chance and also be more wary when defending set pieces.

“In the last couple of days, we have spoken in the team talks on how to be aggressive from the first moment and be present in the duels. We have to be concentrated on the defending set pieces. All these small details will make difference in these kinds of games. This is an unbearable truth in football. In the first half, we were not sharp enough and we were not good enough. If we miss those things against a good team, we will be punished,” Vukomanovic explains after three consecutive defeats.

The Serbian tactician was happy with how his team reacted to the circumstances in the second half as they came out stronger and more aggressive. He wants that hunger in their next game against the Highlanders as they are desperate to get back on winning ways.

When asked about areas that Kerala Blasters can improve Vukomanovic shared how they need to defend set pieces a lot better and also be more aggressive in duels. He also shared how they need to take their chances when they come their way. Overall a change in mentality is required at the Kerala Blasters camp.

“We need to be concentrated all the time, especially while defending set pieces, and we can’t afford to miss the balls and not afford to miss the duels and being aggressive in duels. We must have this part in our mind that we want to win the duels, want to kick the ball out and try to score when you attack. We have to show our mentality and strong personality like how we did the last year,” Vukomanovic pointed out.

Despite the 2-0 defeat against Mumbai City FC, the only bright light for the Yellow Army was Rahul KP’s performance. The youngster made some brilliant runs but had nothing to show for it. However Vukomanovic was very impressed with the young winger and feels that he will only get better from here.

“Rahul KP is a player who has the quality and he can do it. We know that he has a national team player’s potential, and he can be even better. I hope that he will show more quality in future matches in different positions and we are happy to have him in the team,” the Kerala Blasters boss concluded.