ISL 2019 | Kerala Blasters should capitalise on their victory over ATK, says IM Vijayan

Two-time runners-up Kerala Blasters FC made a near-perfect start to their season, with a 2-1 home win over two- time champions ATK at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2019-20 season opener on Sunday. Kerala went down by a goal in the opening six minutes of the match but turned the game around to win 2-1. While the comeback victory was one he cherished, three-time Indian footballer of the year and Kerala's very own, IM Vijayan feels that the team needs to keep improving throughout the course of the season.

"It was a fantastic opening ceremony and it was a good match between Kerala Blasters FC and ATK. We fell behind but then took the lead. But we shouldn't rest on our laurels for now. The team should improve more," Vijayan said to the indiansuperleague.com in an interview.

"It was the first match and the victory will give good confidence to the team and they will play well. We need to keep getting positive results and the team should keep improving to achieve that," he added.

The Indian icon's advice comes in the light of last season’s downward spiral which followed for Kerala after they defeated ATK in the opening fixture 2-0. Kerala finished ninth in the 10-team league in the previous season. Eelco Schattorie's men will look to avoid a similar turn of fortune and use the victory over ATK as a launchpad for a fruitful campaign.

The 50-year-old, however, is optimistic about his expectations from his side and believes they will finish the season in a good position, "I hope the team performs even better in future. We have a good team and can finish in a good position for sure," he concluded.