ISL 2019-20 | Missing elements made it difficult to win, states Eelco Schattorie
Kerala Blasters head coach Eelco Schattorie has stated that some missing elements made it difficult for their win after Kerala Blasters held on to a draw against Mumbai City FC. however, the dutch coach praised his younger squad for their performance particularly pointing out Jeaksoon Singh.
Kerala Blasters FC continued their winless run with a draw against hosts Mumbai City FC for 1-1 at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday. Cameroonian striker Messi Bouli scored the first goal for Blasters in the second, however, seconds later the Islanders pulled one back through Tunisian striker Amine Chermiti.
Despite playing with three foreigners, visitors Kerala Blasters dominated in the first half, but they lacked quality in the attacking third, especially with the absence of captain Batholomew Ogbeche they struggled in the front. However, Kerala Blasters head coach Eelco Schattorie was happy with his players’ performance and stated some missing elements made it difficult for Kerala to win. Â
“The tactics that I expected from my players worked fantastically, but in the end, we missed elements in the game, especially while going forward. Some missing elements made it difficult to win but the strategy that we put on the table worked.” Eelco Schattorie told reporters post-match press conference, ISL website reported.
Moreover, the Dutch coach went on to praise his team, particularly pointing out Hero fo the Match Jeakson Singh’s performance.
“Overall, we were the better team. Mumbai were dangerous only a few times on the counter. All the continuous changes make it very difficult but I am still proud of my team. We dominated the first-half and Jeakson (Singh) had a great game. I think overall, with this young side, a point is good enough. Our club is in transition, and I am proud of my players,” the Dutch coach expanded.
Many players in Blasters lineup are injured and the latest entrant to the list is captain Bartholomew Ogbeche who missed the game against Mumbai. Kerala also are missing a creative playmaker in the midfield with Spaniard Mario Arques the man for the job, but, the midfielder is out of the squad with injury for almost one month. And Schattorie pointed out this issue.
“We miss someone in the midfield who can take the game to the opponents. There was no depth. I don’t blame my players at all. I am happy with a point, especially (being) without my captain Bartholomew Ogbeche and the other players,” Schattorie said about his depleted squad.
Kerala Blasters are now eighth on the table with 6 points and their only win came against ATK in the opener. Schattorie hoped with a strong XI, they could have gotten a better result.
“In the end, you need a player like (Paulo) Machado, someone who can distribute the ball. Cido (Sergio Cidoncha) is more of a winger or plays behind the striker. He can drop back but I am missing that kind of a player. Sometimes it is very difficult. You start losing balls. We are trying to keep our defence organized. Honestly, we played with three foreigners and three to four players who are 20 years old or lesser. Considering this, I think we played quite well. We missed a few elements. If we played them with our strongest XI, I’m sure we could have gotten a better result,” he added.
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