2017 ended on a sour note for two-time Hero Indian Super League (ISL) finalists Kerala Blasters FC, as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against fellow southerners Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday. Courage Pekuson’s injury-time goal was the only consolation for the hosts’ passionate fans, as they end the year sitting seventh on the points table with a single win to their name. After the year’s last game, the home team’s defender Nemanja Lakic-Pesic spoke to the indiansuperleague.com about the match and the way forward. Here are the excerpts from the interview.

Your thoughts on the game?

We obviously were not so good with possession of the ball. We lost the ball quickly and were not aggressive enough. We should take a good analysis of this game and try to make it much better in the next game.

How did the match change after Bengaluru scored?

We conceded a goal from the penalty. After that, we could not do anything but try and do everything to score. So, Sandesh (Jhingan) and I went forward to attack and try to do something with our heights. But, they used the counter attacks to score.

Would you say the result is a fair reflection of the game?

I am sure it is not a fair reflection, but I think we did not deserve to win today.

According to you, what do Kerala need to do to turn things around?

We need to change. We need to be much more positive and braver. We need to be much more aggressive from the first to the last minute if we want to do something.

Did you think the team missed the presence of local boys - Rino Anto and CK Vineeth?

For sure we need them in every game. It’s only today, but they could have brought some experience in this match because they are from Kerala. They know how important these games are.