Kerala’s inside knowledge of NorthEast holds the key
Several players from the Northeast region and a coach of their own, Thangboi Singto, could hold the key to Kerala Blasters FC ending their win drought when they take on the highlanders in friday’s fixture
Kerala Blasters are one of only two teams not to win a match in this edition of the Hero ISL (ATK being the other), and coach Rene Meulensteen is confident that a win is just around the corner. Their upcoming battle is against the visiting NorthEast United and a clutch of players from the region can give them an added boost.
Assistant coach Thangboi Singto, former coach of Shillong Lajong FC, is also someone who has extensive knowledge of players from the region and Rene admitted they have plenty to benefit. “It’s special for those set of players from the Northeast. That’s an extra dimension (for this game), sure for both sets of players. Thangboi is a very good help for us and can give insight into certain players and certain elements of their game. Hopefully, we can take advantage of that,” Meulensteen said during the pre-match media interaction.
Kerala Blasters have seven players from the Northeast region and the coach said there is a derby feeling about this clash. “It might be emotional but the important thing is that they don’t let their emotions run their game. The key is to stick to the plan that we have devised. There is emotional attachment because of where they come from,” said Meulensteen, who will miss the injured Dimitar Berbatov but will welcome CK Vineeth, Wes Brown and Iain Hume.
NorthEast United FC coach Joao de Deus has heard about the players from the region in the opposition dugout as well as his team’s inability to win in Kochi for three years running. That said, he remained unperturbed about it having a major impact on the game. Asked whether Singto’s knowledge could prove to be the difference, the coach was dismissive.
“He can know all my players but does he know my ideas of the game, does he? My players will play with the ideas that the coach has. That is not anything of relevance,” said Joao de Deus. NorthEast United FC arrived in Kochi after unfortunately losing to Bengaluru FC at home. The coach felt they should have at least got a point but a mistake from goalkeeper TP Rehenesh proved to be their undoing.
“TP was injured during the warm-up session of the previous game and could not kick with his right foot. The mistake (against Bengaluru FC) happened when he kicked with his left foot. He is now completely well. TP will play and kick with his right foot,” said the coach.
NorthEast United FC are placed seventh on the table with four points from four matches. Still without a win, Kerala Blasters are a rung below with three points.
Also Read: Pune City FC look to set the home record straight against Bengaluru FC
Also Read: German football freestylers put on dazzling show in Goa
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Battle lines drawn as 20 clubs gear up for the National Group Stage of Reliance Foundation Development League 2024
Mumbai, April 11: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024 has reached a pivotal moment as the Regional Qualifiers conclude, paving the way for an intense National Group Stage. This will take…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…