Kerala Blasters Coach Mikael Stahre Talks About 1-1 Draw Against NorthEast United FC

Kerala Blasters FC head coach Mikael Stahre acknowledged that his team needs to be better with their finishing following a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC during their Indian Super League (ISL) match at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday.

Match Highlights

The hosts NorthEast United broke the deadlock in the 58th minute with a free-kick goal by Alaeddine Ajaraie. The Moroccan forward became the second player to score in each of his opening three games. Kerala Blasters quickly responded with Noah Sadaoui netting the equalizer within nine minutes. Sadaoui’s left-footed shot from the edge of the box hit the bottom left corner, leaving no chance for goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh.

NorthEast United’s defender Asheer Akhtar received a direct red card for his tackle on Sadaoui. Despite playing against a 10-man team, Kerala Blasters couldn’t capitalize on their chances in the final moments of the game.

Coach’s Comments

Stahre expressed his dissatisfaction with his players missing chances in the final moments. He urged his players to be more precise in converting their opportunities in the final third. “Football is a complex game. You have to handle many situations. We have created big chances, especially at the end of the game. It is just not about the strike; we have to be more precise to finish off better,” he said in the post-match press conference.

Stahre also shared his mixed feelings about the game, stating, “In one way, I am pleased with the point; in another way, I did not like how we controlled the last part after the red card. We have to be in this game. I think one point came out; it was a good first half, and they also created some big chances. Overall, it was a pretty even game.”

Team Performance

Kerala Blasters are currently in the fifth spot with four points from three matches. After a narrow defeat against Punjab FC in the opening fixture, they returned to winning ways with a comeback victory against East Bengal FC. Stahre remarked, “You have to analyze every single game. The Punjab FC game was not a good one; Jimenez equalized in the last minute, and we lost the game in the dying seconds. It was really a hurt one. Then we won 2-1 against East Bengal FC. We played 1-1 away against a very good team.”

Stahre added, “I am not happy, but I am not extremely unhappy. We can do much better. We are still solid and taking points. It is just the beginning, and I feel we will be better and better, actually. I think we are on the right track.”

Adrian Luna’s Return

Adrian Luna, the Blasters’ captain, returned to action as a substitute in the 80th minute after missing the opening two games due to illness. Stahre commented, “Luna is an important player for us. It was important minutes to put him on the pitch again. Things will be better and better. I expect him to be in better shape after the FIFA break in a few weeks.”