Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic believes small details can influence the game and make the difference as they prepare to face Jamshedpur FC in first leg of the semifinal - 1 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at PJN Stadium, Margao, Goa on Friday.

Kerala Blasters FC finished the league stage in fourth position. They collected 34 points in 20 matches.

KBFC played an entertaining 4-4 draw against FC Goa in their last match. Two late goals by Vincy Barretto and Alvaro Vazquez helped them secure a point from the match.

Ahead of Kerala Blasters FC’s match against Jamshedpur FC, coach Vukomanovic and midfielder Jeakson Singh addressed the media during the official pre-match press conference.

Here are the excerpts from Vukomanovic’s press conference.

How does it feel to be where you are right now?

Well, I must admit that now I have a better feeling than the moment we started this adventure. We feel good. We think we are on the right path. We think we have improved a lot as a club. I think we can become nothing but better. Seeing that we are standing where nobody expected us to be, it gives us extra motivation and power. We are sorry that we couldn’t perform in front of fans. But hopefully, it will not be the case next year. I am doubly motivated to continue and hopefully we will achieve better results.

It’s hard to break Jamshedpur FC’s back four, will there be a change in philosophy to be more effective in the final third?

We have seen this year anyone can beat anyone. When you’re facing a tough team in the playoffs you go around small details. Small details that can influence the game and make the difference. You can score from these moments. In these kinds of games, you need to be focused till the extra time. You have to be careful about certain details. We have to try to explore in order to get a good result. We will do our best.

Jamshedpur FC won the league shield, how difficult do you think this match will be?

They are a physically tough team. It would be an open fight. The 20 games are past now, this is a new chapter. So. it will be different.

Here are the excerpts from Singh's press conference.

You missed the last two games, how ready do you feel for the challenge?

I feel I am ready. It doesn’t matter which team we are playing, it doesn’t matter if we play them in the league stage or semi-final. I think every match is important. And I am ready to give my 100% for the team.

How’s the feeling in the camp? And KBFC has never defeated JFC, does it add to the pressure?

It’s a great feeling. I have been here for the past three years, now we are finally in the playoffs. We are here because of everyone's hard work. And now we are looking forward to beating JFC and going through to the finals.