ISL 2024-25: Improved Kerala Blasters aims to maintain momentum against Odisha FC
ISL 2024-25: Improved Kerala Blasters aims to maintain momentum against Odisha FC
After a poor run earlier in the season, things are now looking bright at Kerala Blasters. The Blasters won two of their last three games in the ISL, and they will be hoping for a good show when they play Odisha FC at the Nehru Stadium here on Monday.
“We are more compact as a team,” explained Blasters’ interim coach, T.G. Purushothaman, about the transformation,
Despite being down to nine men, the Blasters pulled off a 1-0 away win over Punjab FC in their last game, and Purushothaman made it clear that the team, now in ninth with 17 points, is aiming for the playoffs.
The Blasters will be without its popular winger K.P. Rahul, who has now moved to Odisha on a permanent transfer, and Monday’s match will see him as a rival for the first time.
Odisha (seventh with 21 points) had a 2-2 away draw against Chennaiyin in its last match following a 2-4 loss against FC Goa. Odisha has conceded six goals in its last two games, and that is something that coach Sergio Lobera feels the side needs to work on.
“We need to have more balance because you are scoring goals, but you are also conceding a number of chances. And there were a few silly mistakes,” said Lobera.
