Kerala Blasters FC will look to end their 10-match winless run when they go up against Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday. The match will be the last Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) fixture of 2018 before the winter break kicks in.

Before the match, indiansuperleague.com caught up with Kerala youngster Sahal Abdul Samad, who was named in India head coach Stephen Constantine's squad of 34 probables for the AFC Asian Cup 2019, for an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts.

What is the atmosphere in the dressing room like right now?

We actually started the season very well. The first match, we won against ATK 2-0. Now, the situation is really bad. But still, in the dressing room and everywhere else, we actually encourage each other and we discuss how to overcome the situation. Hopefully, we’ll do better in the upcoming matches.

Thoughts on David James' style of play.

First of all, I would like to thank him for giving me the chance to play and every coach has their own way of playing, tactics. Just like other coaches, he also has a way of playing and we have to follow him.

Talk us through your emotions after being called up to the national team.

I’m really really excited that I’m in the shortlist of 34. I have to do more again to get into the squad. So, I’m really happy about that.

Who’s the biggest threat from the Mumbai City FC team?

Actually, Mumbai City FC are a very good team and I personally think that Arnold (Issoko) is a great player. We’ll have to watch him.

Thoughts on your performances this season.

I’m happy about my journey, but the team’s situation is bad. I’ll try to give my best for the team.

Any message for the fans who have been vocal about their frustration?

Yeah, it’s like that because every fan wants their team to be at their best but unfortunately this season, we couldn’t do it. But still, they are our strength and hopefully, we can do better.