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Indian Super League (ISL) returns to Kochi as Kerala Blasters host FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday evening.
Kerala Blasters are in a state of concern after failing to register a win following their opening night triumph against ATK. Their latest outing saw them getting defeated by Bengaluru FC 1-0, away from home.
Blasters head coach Eelco Schattorie was quick to motivate his side ahead of their crucial fixture. He repeated that the team is working hard and they put up a good show against BFC.
"If our team is totally fit, I am not scared of competing with any team. At this stage we are still getting to the level we need, we are trying to get everyone fit. We keep working hard. The atmosphere is good. Tomorrow, I will go for three points."
Though the team has resolved a few of their injury concerns, there are still names waiting to be back on the pitch. Schattorie said that Mario Arques and Moustapha Gning will be sidelined again.
"These are all injuries of long-term. Hopefully, within two weeks, Mario will be back. He is back in training and that means he is medically fit. It's always difficult when we have that such a long kind of injury. Moustapha (Gning) was also injured for the last game, has a very unique injury and is still not fit."
The Dutchman also quoted that his team will be starting the game with an attacking mindset. Though FC Goa are placed better on the points table, the coach was confident to state that he will be looking for the three points.
"We are playing a home game, so you will never catch me sitting back. We tried to press hard (against Bengaluru FC). The game strategy I like to play is a little adaptive, that has to do with qualities. Vlatkor (Drobarov) is coming in. He has a little bit more quality in the back to build-up. I don't like to play long-ball strategies. Sometimes you have to if you don't have a good quality at the back to build from."
The 47-year-old also ruled out the chances of any activity in the January transfer window.
"For now no, we brought in Vlatkor in place of Jairo (Rodrigues), who played with an injury. I am focussing on what we are doing now and hopefully get those players fit."
When asked about Blasters' present situation in the league, the gaffer admitted that he could have done better with a fit team.
"If a team wins today it is fantastic and if they lose it is not good. I can assure you, if my team will be fit I am that arrogant to say that we will compete for the top four spots. I am very confident with that. It's only five games into the season and anything can change. If we win tomorrow, we are just below FC Goa. I work with what I have. I am a very straightforward person. I work from the heart; I speak from the heart. But I miss some players and I don't complain about it. We are working with the players we have and they are putting up a good show and progressing."
Schattorie quipped that the new signing will help his side in building from the back.
"In our case, it's the build-up from the back. I am happy to have Vlatko as an extra player who has a bit of quality there. In the midfield, I miss some creativity regarding Mario (Arques) who can put the ball behind the defence."
