Kerala Blasters FC welcome Chennaiyin FC in another potentially feisty southern derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 on Friday. Last season’s finalists have had a resurgence since David James came to the helm as head coach, but they need a maximum of six points from their remaining two fixtures to stand any chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference was James himself and he explained the reason behind the change in Kerala’s fortunes since his arrival. “When I came in, there were some question marks regarding the team,” he stated. “However, from day one there was an understanding that the Kerala Blasters is not just about the players on the football field. It’s about everybody who is involved with the club; the support staff, the fans and everybody. Kerala Blasters have a very talented squad with a lot of self-belief. So, my job is made very much easy when you have such good players and support staff. And now, Kerala are in a position where they have a chance of qualifying for the playoffs.”

The Englishman acknowledged the splendid support from the Kerala fans, while also admitting that it can sometimes inadvertently give the opposition a lift. “The support that we get home and away from our fans, the twelfth man, is very valuable,” James remarked. “But one of the problems of having the best fans in the country is that other people enjoy playing in front of them as well. So, everybody who comes into the Hero ISL will know how good our fans are and they have an opportunity to play in front of the best crowd in ISL. So, it’s not always 100% in our favour in that sense.”

The 47-year also stressed what needed to be done by Kerala in their last two games. “We expect Chennaiyin to try and win the game to get over the line,” he said. “As for ourselves, we have to win. Six points is all we can go for. I think we are in a scenario where we may get the six points, and it still would not matter. But the same thing always comes up: we need six points.”

Before wrapping up, James conceded that even though keeping clean sheets have been tough for Kerala this season, scoring is more important. “Kerala Blasters and clean sheets has been a bit of an oxymoron this season!” he quipped. “Clean sheets always give you confidence. At the same time, a 0 – 0 draw tomorrow won’t do us any good. But yes, if you score some goals and keep a clean sheet, then the coach is obviously very happy.”