Kerala Blasters failed to keep the 1-0 first half lead against NorthEast United FC in their final home game to stretch their winless streak to nine games in the current season of the Indian Super League. Ogbeche converted a penalty in the first half for Kerala which was cancelled by a second half penalty by Gyan for NorthEast United FC.
Kerala’s team has been hit badly by injuries to crucial players and woeful refereeing has been another major concern for Eelco Schattorie. He insisted on the fact that the club is in no position to change the coach.
Schattorie said,“I don’t know if that was a penalty or not. The biggest issue is that I have to start puzzling again. Raju (Gaikwad) came halfway through the pre-season, fitness-wise it is difficult for these players to catch up if they don’t have a pre-season.
“Mario (Arques) also did his quadriceps again, I hope he is okay. I think we have a huge problem on the wings, all wingers are underperforming. It makes it difficult. We have a lot of crosses but the end product is not there. When the team is under pressure mentally, you need to step up. I don’t blame anyone.
“I am still thinking about what is the best thing to do. The positivity of the players is there, the attitude is there. In the end, you need that little bit of luck to overcome the mental blockade.”
Indian young prodigy Sahal Abdul Samad has not been given start in majority of matches and was been subbed off in the last match against NorthEast United FC. for Eelco Schattorie believes that the youngster has a lot of talent but he is not good enough to feature in the regular starting line-up.
“The problem for me is that I don’t want to say anything on Sahal. I think he is a fantastic player. This boy is in a situation where too many people put him (up on top). Every game he started till now, I don’t blame him, but he has not been good enough. I have nothing against Sahal. Let me work with him,” he said.
Kerala has played 10 matches so far and have managed to register just one win in the tournament so far.
