Kerala Blasters FC take on FC Goa in the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Saturday. The Kochi-based club lost their last match against Jamshedpur FC and will be looking to bounce back against the Gaurs.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, head coach Eelco Schattorie gave his views on their upcoming challenge and said, “I think Goa are a team that likes to play football the way I like to play. For me, basically the only team that plays mostly possession-based football, but also has expert creative qualities to put the ball forward. I have the players for such football, but unfortunately, they are not always fit so that makes it more difficult. Hopefully, it’s going to be a beautiful game.”

The Dutchman addressed Kerala’s injury issues and stated, “We have played 13 games this season but have not started two games in a row with the same XI. Even two days before the game I am not 100% sure who is going to start the game. But the way we performed and developed, we have players like Mohamad Rakip and (Jessel) Carneiro who have started every match this season, but these are the only two players. That shows the inconsistency in the line-up and this makes it difficult for a coach.”

Adding to this, he said, “Overall, I am always a positive guy. Any challenge that is put in front of me, I will face it and we have proved earlier also that any challenge that is put in front of me, I can face it, but in the end we need a little bit of luck. We have come here to win.”

Schattorie also spoke about their loss to Jamshedpur and noted, “The loss in the last match was painful. When you lose to an own goal, it’s just bad luck. Own goals happen in your career. You don’t do it on purpose, it’s just bad luck and you have to move on. But the conviction and the atmosphere to work together is strong. We put up a very good show with 10 players.”

He was joined by defender Jessel Carneiro, who said, “I try to give my best for the fans, who are like my family. I have only one thing in my mind, to play in the starting XI and I try to do my best.”

Read the Match Preview here.