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In a dead rubber fixture, Kerala Blasters succumbed to a 0-2 loss to the mighty Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday in the ISL.
In contrary to what the scoreline suggests, the Blues did not really have it that easy as the Blasters defended resolutely for almost the entirety of the match. However, the home side managed to score two goals in the injury time, thanks to a clinical finish from Miku and a low driven shot from Udanta Singh.
Speaking at the press conference after the match, Kerala coach David James expressed his disappointment at having lost the match in the final stages but gave credit to Bengaluru FC for their indomitable spirit.
"For ninety minutes, I thought, it was a fantastic performance by us. But credit to Bengaluru, they did very well to win the game. Bengaluru deserves to be top of the league and they proved that today," he said before adding, "The team (Kerala Blasters) is dejected in the changing room. Football is cruel.
He further said that Bengaluru could become the first side to the hoodoo of the league-stage winners not finishing as the champions. "If you finish top you generally don't win. Bengaluru might prove to be the first team to do that," the former England goalkeeper said.
On being asked if he felt his side was wasteful in front of goal, James praised Bengaluru's defensive organisation as he said,
“Bengaluru have got the best defence in the league. Most shots have come outside the box they are very well organized. In the Chennaiyin FC game, the goalie (Gurpreet Singh Sandhu) was the man of the match.”
James only took charge of the Kochi-based side in the latter half of the season after former manager Rene Meulensteen was sacked. From an unlikely position, the Blasters clawed their way back under the new coach and fought till the very last for a place in the playoffs. However, with FC Goa blanking ATK 5-1 on Wednesday, all their hopes were dashed.
James can't help but wonder what would have been if he had a little bit of more time. “As a head coach, you have to ask the question - what if... there was little bit more time,” he said.
On being asked if the two former Manchester United players, Dimitar Berbatov and Wes Brown will be staying back for the inaugural Super Cup, James said he was yet to talk to them about it. “I will have to have a conversation with them first," he said. "The information about the Super Cup came in late. I do hope so (that the pair will stay back)."
Before leaving the press conference, James took a sly dig at the Bengaluru FC fans. On being asked about the travelling fans, he mockingly said,
"You mean the Bengaluru fans? Away fans? I thought it was our stadium. Their support throughout the season has been superb. I am already excited about the prospects of KBFC going forward and the fans are a massive part of that.”
