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Kibu Vicuna and Albino Gomes were present in the pre-match press conference ahead of the game against FC Goa. Both answered some interesting and important questions where Kibu was first asked about Sergio Cidoncha, with him set to be out for about three months. To which he answered, “First we have to be with Sergio. He was playing very well he was the team captain. So we have to take care of him and then we will try to improve into the team.”
With Cido one of the better playing player in the team and now in his absence, the club will have to play with one less foreign player. Especially against the upcoming opponents FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, and SC East Bengal. So Kibu was asked if that is a challenge for the team or is there any plan to overcome it, to which Kibu answered that every game is a challenge in itself. The game against FC Goa is a tough game against a good team. But when unfortunately one player gets injured, another one gets a chance and they try to prove themselves and keep their place in the team.
There is no doubt about the qualities that Gary Hooper possess looking at how well he has played before joining the yellow army. However, he is yet to prove himself and have a role in goals, assists, possession, etc for the team. In such a situation do you think it is a time to give chance to Jordan Murray in the Starting XI? Kibu said, “both Hooper and Murray are training with us. But I feel it’s just a matter of time before they start producing goals, creating chances. They will score goals. I have no doubts about that.”
FC Goa and Kerala Blasters have both lost one and drawn two games. As usual, if you look at the shots and other stats, Kerala Blasters dominated the game against Chennaiyin FC as well. However, not being able to finish in the crunch moments, isn’t it is a growing concern for KBFC now? Kibu said, “we have to improve our game. We want to play a possession game but we also have to create chances and score goals. This is our main objective. We are working as a team and we have to continue working well.”
With Cido now injured, it is time for Facundo and Sahal to take charge. Kibu was asked about his plans regarding that? “There are players who are waiting for their opportunities. We have different combinations, different possibilities. We have players who can fill in and we are trying to find our best possible combination.”
With both teams at the bottom half of the table, a further slip up can demoralize the chances. How do you look at the game and what are your plans for that? “We are going to play with possession and create our chances. Goa are a good team and they are also going to take chances and go for a win. I hope we can do our part and I expect we can see a good game tomorrow.”
Goalkeeper Albino Gomes looked positive and was very happy to be a part of the squad. Having started regularly in the games for the clubs he had previously played for in ISL, this time it will be a further experience for him under Kibu. Last year you had a difficult season with your injury before coming to Kerala Blasters, and it is sort of a comeback for you. Last game you had a nervy moment and then you saved a penalty. Does that bring a sort of confidence for you in goal? “I started the season with the confidence only and I know there is a lot more matches headed up for me. So, I have to keep the same confidence for the whole season. So hopefully I will do that and we will get a positive result.”
How do you find the atmosphere as this is expected to be a breakout season for you if you continue your performance? “The whole team is pretty confident about the coach’s game plan and I think we are doing very well in the training season. We are going to implement that in the upcoming matches.”
Kerala Blasters have played from the back in the past matches? So have you settled well into that style of play, playing from the back? “Yes, of course. We decided in the pre-season that we are going to play from the back and now I am pretty confident and I have settled well,” Albino concluded.
