Player-manager David James cut a stoic figure at the post-match conference in Guwahati on Tuesday night. Kerala Blasters FC enjoyed majority of the possession during the game, and also came close to equalising on a couple of occasions, but NorthEast United FC held on to record a narrow victory, courtesy a solitary goal from Spaniard Koke.When asked about his thoughts on the defeat, James replied, “It’s frustrating. I think we were the better team, for most part of the game, and had some good chances. But one mistake, one lapse of concentration, and NorthEast scored a goal.”The experienced Englishman, however, took a lot of positives from the game impressed with the performance of his boys. “Alex, their keeper, played very well and deserved the player of the match, because we were good today. We haven’t played against anyone from the ISL in preseason so it’s hard to gauge how good the sides were. But I’m pleased with the way the team performed today. Sad for the loss but happy for the performance of my team”, he remarked."The main thing is that the ISL is here and has kicked off to a good start."David JamesThe crowd, on its part, did make everyone stand and acknowledge the Highlanders. And he said about his experience, “John Abraham came back from the launch of the first game, and he was excited. He addressed the crowd, a full house. Terrific atmosphere!And did he feel that the Kerala Blasters were at a disadvantage to be playing their first five games away from home? “In a perfect world, you play home and away. But you have to appreciate the way the league has been set up with all its difficulties. We had supporters here today, which is always great, making a lot of noise. If anything, it gives us hope that when we win our first away game - looking to do that of course next week - the supporters will be up there and cheering. The main thing is that the ISL is here and has kicked off to a good start, and we’re all proud of it. It’s what we wanted, it’s what you wanted. And as far as the media and the coverage for this league is concerned, it is worldwide, and that’s what Indian football needs.”Kerala Blasters FC head back to Kerala for training before they take on Chennaiyin FC on the latter’s home turf on October 21.
