KBFC coach Coppell says the game was won by his players, not the referee

FC GOA CONTINUE TO REMAIN BOTTOM in the points table. Kerala are moving up the table steadily and currently in fourth place. Coppell was unfazed with the statement saying that result of the game was due to the referee's influence. Speaking after the game Coppell replied to a question on the performance of the referee and said,

“Well, I think everyone just gets wrapped up in the emotion of the game and obviously I was concentrating on us to score a goal. I am sure the ISL will look into this as I would in the cold light of day and make a judgement. But you cannot just go and give a yellow card as someone tackles somebody, and the penalty was a penalty as it was a hand ball and the second red card… he had a yellow before so no complaints there."

Coppell continued,

“And the referee, he is from New Zealand and it means nothing to him other than to do the best job that he can do, he is impartial and I am sure the ISL will look into it and I will be glad to look at their conclusions, and obviously I am going to say the referee was strong in what was a very hostile atmosphere and the influence all along was a negative influence on him…The fact we won 2-1, so I am delighted and I want to say that the referee didn't win the game but our players won the game"

Kerala Blasters FC were boosted by the return of the players from the AFC Cup campaign of Bengaluru FC, CK Vineeth and Rino Anto. Prior to the game Coppell said both players were not likely to feature in the squad. But to the question on what made him bring on Vineeth said,

“What changed my mind was the psychological effect it had with Rino and Vineeth coming in, just something a little bit different. First time I met them was this afternoon and the impact with two new players coming in the squad and we all watched them play for Bengaluru FC and I appreciate them playing and then travelling, travelling a lot, and you know emotionally the final would have been difficult for them but having them in the dressing room, and as the game progressed I decided that it would be great to get him on for his energy and I think he had doubts about his own fitness but I knew he would be fine.”

Sharing his thoughts on preparation for the upcoming game against Chennaiyin FC said,

“Today's win means nothing if we don't back it up against Chennaiyin. It is a real good game as they are the champions and I am excited as we welcome them, and a couple a week ago we played them and I feel it is great to judge ourselves by the way we play against the champions. We are really looking forward to that game as it is hugely significant for us and we want to win to make our fans happy and you know we have not given them much stuff to smile about but today they go home happy, looking forward to the next game against Chennaiyin"

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