Purushothaman on Kerala Blasters FC's defensive effort and their recent form
The Kerala Blasters FC interim head coach commended the effort put in by his players as they extended their unbeaten run to three games.

Kerala Blasters FC interim head coach T.G. Purushothaman expressed his delight with his team's performance as they held NorthEast United FC to a draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Aiban Dohling's red card in the first half, the Blasters showed resilience to earn a point.
NorthEast United FC, taking advantage of their numerical superiority, had more possession and launched relentless attacks but were thwarted by a determined Blasters' defense. The visitors managed 15 shots on target, double that of the Blasters and even forced goalkeeper Sachin Suresh into making five crucial saves but were unable to break the deadlock. Purushothaman praised his team's ability to avoid defeat at home in Kochi and urged them to build on this performance.
“We did a good job. We defended (for) it. The most important thing is that it was our home match and we don't like to lose here. We had to get the point and here we go,” he said during the post-match press conference.
The Blasters have extended their unbeaten streak to three games, including two wins, and have shown significant improvement since the start of the new year. They are also unbeaten in their last three home matches. Reflecting on his team’s recent performances, Purushothaman commended the players' dedication and effort.
“This is all about coming up from a difficult situation and making the team as a team. All the players, their efforts are remarkable and they are giving everything on the ground to play for the badge, the club and our pride. All the credit goes to the players. Anything negative happens, as a coaching staff, it's our fault and all the positive (comments) and credit goes to the players,” he said.
“We are in a positive light. We (need to) go through like this and we can achieve everything in this league,” he added.
In the second half, the Blasters substituted midfielder Vibin Mohanan with Danish Farooq, a change that proved effective. Korou Singh excelled as a full-back after the change, successfully neutralising threats from Jithin MS and Alaaeddine Ajaraie on the left, contributing to the team’s hard-earned clean sheet.
Singh's performance at both ends of the pitch won him the Player of the Match award.
“When we face challenges on the ground, we make changes (on Farooq's substitution)," Purushothaman said.
"Korou did a fantastic job coming in at right back and he was absolutely outstanding. And that’s how young players come to the arena. KBFC is producing players for ISL and the national team. More players have to come up. The results will come. We are waiting for that,” the KBFC coach explained.