ISL: We have some interesting young players says Khabra after Kerala Blasters' win over Odisha FC

Kerala Blasters FC registered their first win of the 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) season after defeating Odisha FC 2-1 at the Tilak Maidan on Sunday. It was the Kochi-based team’s first win in 11 games and the victory helped them to sixth position in the points table. Blasters’ full-back Harmanjot Singh Khabra believes that youngsters are essential for success in the Hero ISL. Youngsters played a pivotal part in Blasters’ victory last night. Kerala-born winger Prasanth Mohan’s late goal proved to be the winner while the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad, Puitea and Jeakson Singh did a fine job in the midfield.

The Kochi-based team is one of the most supported football clubs in Asia and they have millions of supporters all over the world. It was only their first win of the campaign and therefore 32-year-old Khabra feels that they have to keep their heads down and work hard as they have a long way to go with millions of fans rooting for them.

“We have millions of supporters there to support us, always the expectations are there. So, the dressing room atmosphere is always on the top but I think we need to be careful about that. It is just a first win and I must urge the youngsters that we have to be humble and keep our heads down and we have a long way to go,” said Khabra after the match.

KBFC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic started with an all Indian midfield line up against Odisha FC. Jeakson and Puitea pulled the strings from the middle while Vincy Barretto and Sahal occupied the wings. The youngsters did an excellent job against the team which had scored nine goals and won both of their opening matches.

Jeakson played the holding midfielder’s job and gave protection to the back line while Puitea was dictating the game. The 23-year-old looked confident on the ball and wasn’t hesitant to put in the hard yards while closing down the opposition.

Sahal played more centrally allowing the left back Jessel Carneiro to exploit the space on the left flank. Sahal has exceptional ability with the ball at his feet and it is just about him delivering quality performance on a consistent basis.

Prasanth, came on as a substitute with 14 minutes left on the clock and the 24-year-old finished off a breakaway move in the 85th minute. He was lively on the right-flank and caused all sorts of problems to Lalruatthatra with his pace.

“We have some interesting young players who can play football, in my vision and as a coach  I like to see players improve and become better, exploring new things and that’s how they can become more important especially later on in their career. Sahal is a guy who can play between the lines, he’s a guy who can play in the front like a number ten, even like a striker, even on the side. So, I want him today to be important and close to the strikers because there are typical combinations that we are trying in practice and I am happy as a coach to see these guys evolving and improving.” the two-time ISL winner added.

We played beautiful football: Adrian Luna

Vukomanovic’s side came out with a plan as they didn’t allow the Odisha midfielders  time and space. As soon as the Blasters lost the ball they hunted down the opposition as a team to regain the ball possession. The win will certainly boost Blasters’ confidence going forward and they will be hoping to keep up the winning momentum . Adrian Luna was the Hero of the Match as the Uruguayan provided the assists form both Blasters goals.

“I think it (three points) is very important. Tonight I am very proud of my team. We won 2-1. We played beautiful football. I am proud of all my teammates. We always try to be like that (aggressive) but sometimes you cannot because you have to study the opponent and look how they play but we try to play this football. I am looking forward to the next game and try to play well and make our fans proud.” said Luna.

KBFC will next take on East Bengal on Sunday before facing the defending champions Mumbai City FC on December 19.