For us the last touch was missing: Kerala Blasters FC’s Ivan Vukomanovic
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic was convinced that the game would be a good affair against Bengaluru FC. The Blasters were defeated 1-0 in the latest fixture of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bangalore, on Saturday.
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic said fine margins decided the outcome of the match as the Blasters were defeated 1-0 in the latest fixture of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bangalore, on Saturday.
A Roy Krishna goal in the first half was enough for the Blues to come out victorious and surge on to the fifth spot in the Hero ISL standings with 28 points. The Blasters stay in third place with 31 points from 18 games.
Kerala Blasters FC lost their fifth away game of the season, and Vukomanovic felt there was quality all over the pitch and everything was planned, but they missed the much needed last touch on the pitch to win all three points.
“It was a good game, and we had a plan to manage and control the game. In most parts, we controlled the game tonight, and we were happy as a coaching staff that the things that we wanted to achieve with the patterns and movements were seen on the pitch. There was quality with the chances created in the final third, but the last touch was missing,” Vukomanovic said in the official post-match press conference.
We fall short at the Kanteerava but the boys will be back stronger 💪#BFCKBFC #ഒന്നായിപോരാടാം #KBFC #KeralaBlasters pic.twitter.com/0RnvsZLl7C
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) February 11, 2023
Vukomanovic was proud of his players, who he feels did their job on the pitch against a difficult opposition despite the defeat.
“We have to take the risk, and that is how football works. Even then, my players did a great job, and as a coach, I am proud. It was a tough game, and Bengaluru FC is a really good team,” he added.
Kerala Blasters FC have failed to keep a clean sheet in their third consecutive game now and have conceded 25 goals in 18 games. The Blasters will look to stay strong at the back while defending set-pieces especially while they look to qualify for the playoffs.
“It is difficult to defend through set-pieces especially against Bengaluru FC. We need good concentration and to make fewer individual mistakes to manage the situation better. That is what makes the difference, being aware in moments and again individual errors cost us the points,” he stated.