KERALA BLASTERS will face their first away match against FC Goa and are yet looking for their first win after a series of draws.
Talking about the same, Rene Meulensteen said at the pre-match press conference,
"I am not really concerned (with the draws). But I am disappointed that we haven’t won any of them. On the other hand, we have seen progress in the three games so I’m happy with that. This is an away game, so it is different. But more than anything we need to focus on progressing as individuals and as a team."
Talking about their opponents, he said,
"I have had a close look at Goa; I have been following all their ISL matches. They had a really strong start against Chennai. They have got a terrific style of play and they can hurt you easily. But we are well aware of their strengths, and we have prepared for it."
CK Vineeth will be missing after receiving two yellow cards which got him a red. But coach says that it's a good opportunity for others t step up,
"It's a good opportunity for the other players to step into his place and hopefully make a difference for the team."
Sharing an update on defender Wes Brown, he said,
"I am pleased with his progress. He has travelled with the team and he will be in the squad. But I don’t want to take any risks with him."
Talking about Berbatov, he said,
"We're still sort of fine tuning it. Sometimes with players of the calibre of Berbatov, you need to think a little outside the box. You want your best players on the ball. You have to realise when forwards get older, they lose a bit of their explosiveness and that sustainable speed which they had. But they still have plenty of other qualities to play in other positions and that is basically what we are trying."
"A lot of top players will experience this when they have played at the highest level and then come and play in the ISL which is still emerging. It is important that we have realistic expectations in place, as long as the Indian players keep progressing because we want to take them to a higher level. There are a lot of young Indian players who still have a lot to learn and Berbatov knows that."