KOCHI: Kerala Blasters will be searching for their first win as they prepare to face NorthEast United FC at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium on Friday. But a quick look at the composition of the ‘home’ team makes for an interesting reading.
Blasters have a staggering eight players from three North-east states compared to nine in the NorthEast United side. Jackichand Singh, Ognam Milan Singh, Siam Hanghal, Pritam Kumar Singh and Loken Meitei hail from Manipur, defenders Lalruatthara and Lalthakima are from Mizoram and right-back Samuel Shadap comes from Meghalaya.
Along with assistant coach Thangboi Singto, who has vast experience coaching in the region, they definitely make a strong North-east core at the Kochi-based club. “I think this is a special fixture for players from the region, especially for the ones who play for Kerala,” said Blasters head coach Rene Meulensteen.
“Thangboi has a very good understanding of the players from the North-east and certain elements of their game which is going to be of good use for us. I hope we can take advantage of that,” said Meulensteen, who will be hoping his boys bounce back from a 5-2 defeat against FC Goa away from home in the last game.
“You cannot ignore players from North-east. They are part of every team across the country including the national team. They are and will continue to be the football hub of India for many years,” Singto had said earlier in the season.
However, North-East United gaffer Joao de Deus was defiant that Blasters’ inside knowledge of his players will be a factor when the teams face off. “Singto might know all about my players. But let me ask you whether they know my idea of playing football? They don’t. My players play with the ideas that their coach has. So, I don’t think their familiarity with our players isn’t a thing of much relevance,” said the Portuguese.
He will bank on the flair of Brazilian attackers Danilo and Marcinho against a home side weakened by the injury to Dimitar Berbatov. The former Manchester United forward, who was substituted early against Goa, has a calf injury and could sit out the rest of the month.
However, Meulensteen will welcome back CK Vineeth after a suspension. Striker Iain Hume has also returned to training and is in line to be part of the squad. So is defender Wes Brown. “Wes has been improving every day and will be part of the squad, if not starting,” the coach said.
Blasters have made their worst start to an ISL season, finding just three points from four games. The coach said his players are desperate for a win. “Every manager in every league is under pressure to deliver. But you can only control things that you can. I train the team to face every situation possible, select the players and choose the tactics,” he said.
adwaidh@newindianexpress.com