NorthEast United FC head coach Khalid Jamil was dispirited following his team’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Kerala Blasters FC at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).

KBFC scored two goals in the second half and though Mohamed Irshad scored for the Highlanders late on in added time, it merely acted as a consolation goal.

Also Read: Kerala Blasters FC’s second-half salvo secures victory against NorthEast United FC

This result takes Kerala Blasters FC to second spot in the Hero ISL table, only three points behind table-toppers Hyderabad FC. NorthEast United FC, meanwhile, languish at the foot of the table.   

Khalid Jamil addressed the media after the game.

Here are the excerpts from his press conference:

Do you think the better team won today?

Yes, you can say that. They played well. We also played well in the first half and our players also worked very hard, but unfortunately, we conceded goals. We scored the last goal in the last minute, but the other team played well.

In the past couple of games we saw your team take many shots, but today just around 10. Is that a change in strategy?

Yes, everybody's working hard and that is a good point. In the remaining matches, we must do well.

Kerala Blasters FC was a man down after the red card. Was it an opportunity missed to take advantage?

Yes, it was an advantage for us. But they scored the second goal so that is why everyone's morale came down.

How will you plan to motivate the team after such results?

We have to sit down with our staff and the technical director and solve the problem.

You just have four games remaining. What will be the plan? Will you give an opportunity to new faces?

Yes. The plan is this. I must take initiative in the last four matches and we have to see.