Blasters aim to end campaign on a positive note against Goa

Kochi: Kerala Blasters will aim to end their campaign on a high when they face FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Monday.


Blasters have struggled historically against Goa, making this a demanding final fixture.

“They are a top-ranked side and have some very good Indian national players and experienced foreign players. We have to go out and give our best and try to win the match,” said Blasters’ head coach Ashley Westwood during the pre-match media interaction.

Westwood also urged his players to maintain the progress they have shown and avoid ending the campaign with disappointment. “Nothing's guaranteed in football. You have to work hard first and foremost. You have to match physicality and physical outputs. But at the end of the day, let's not finish the season on a down. We've been on an upward trajectory since the day I got here and just keep the momentum going, give it your all and let's not sit in two or three days' time where we're regretting things that we didn't give our everything to get the result. If we don't get it, that's fine as long as we give it our best,” said Westwood.

Goa head into the match under pressure after dropping points at home against Mohun Bagan, a result that hurt its hopes of securing a top-three finish. Currently placed sixth, the Goan side will be determined to improve its standing and is expected to pose a serious challenge to the hosts. Against Blasters, they need to be more focused on their clinical finishing and defensive setup.

“Some changes will be there among the starters but that’s not important,” said Manolo. “We need to be competitive (regardless of the changes). We face a team that is most motivated in the competition, even more than the teams who are fighting for the title. They have changed some foreign players and they are now better.

“They are playing with confidence. The crowd is also there and now more supporters will be at the stadium. It will be a nice farewell game of the season.”

Blasters will take confidence from their previous outing, where Kevin Yoke played a decisive role and impressed on the right flank. His performance offered a bright spark, but against a stronger and more organised Goa side, Blasters will need a more complete team effort, if it hopes to finish the season with a win.