Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic has expressed displeasure over the hectic ISL schedule which according to him makes his players feel exhausted given the frequent travels in the hot and humid Indian summer conditions. This isn't the first time the Kerala bossman has openly voiced out about the scheduling issue in Indian Football.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Kerala Blasters FC's final league fixture of this season against Hyderabad FC at the G.M.C Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Friday, April 12, a visibly disappointed Vukomanovic expressed his thoughts about the impact of tight scheduling on his players' fitness. He said,
"If the fixtures don’t allow you to get ready as a team then what’s the point? Players are getting so exhausted with these fixtures because of travel, climate, and hectic schedule which causes eight flights in seven days."
The last time these two sides met in an ISL encounter, the Kerala Blasters FC emerged victorious having won the home game by a 1-0 margin in November 2023. Milos Drincic's 41st-minute goal helped the hosts secure all three points at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
"I want the team to be in a positive shape and a positive rhythm ahead of the playoffs" - Ivan Vukomanovic
About the team's approach towards the upcoming away encounter against the Nizams, an optimistic gaffer not only expects his team to finish the league stage with a victory but also views the game as an opportunity to field players who did not get enough playing time this season.
The 46-year-old even stressed the significance of entering the playoffs with a positive frame of mind.
"We approach this game with a smile and motivation as well a big enthusiasm to close down the chapter with a positive note. Especially the players who didn’t receive that much time in the season, it’s very important for them to get the playing time. I want the team to be in a positive shape and a positive rhythm ahead of the playoffs."
Kerala Blasters FC have been badly affected by the injuries to their players throughout the 2023-24 Indian football season. Regarding the availability of the players for the game against Hyderabad FC keeping in mind the fast-approaching playoffs, the Serbian further went on to add:
"Some players are recovering from the injuries from the past matches. We want to approach the playoffs with a strong team to compete to get a positive result. There’s a possibility that Luna will travel with us to get some minutes. Dimi is with the medical team now, he’s not training. He won’t travel to Hyderabad with the team. We are hoping that he’ll join the training next week, but since we go into playoffs directly, his return could be doubtful."
Kerala Blasters FC are currently placed fifth in the ongoing 2023-24 ISL points table with 30 points from 21 matches. Having come closer to clinching the title on three occasions before, the Men in Yellow will be hoping to break the jinx and go all the way this season.
