Kerala Blasters look to break losing streak

Chennaiyin FC striker Stiven Mendoza (right) at a training session in Kochi on Friday, the eve of their ISL match against Kerala Blasters. — SUNOJ NINAN MATHEW

Closing in on the halfway stage of the season, Kerala Blasters are in deep trouble. The Season One finalists are rock bottom of the table after four consecutive defeats and their head coach Peter Taylor has left the club in a ‘mutual decision’.

Despite talks of a rift in the dressing room and a leaky defense that refuses to tighten up, Trevor Morgan, who has assumed duties as ‘caretaker manager’ believes they are just one win away from putting things in place.

“In football you are always one result away from carrying on and finding form,” said Morgan after overseeing two days of training in preparation for the visit of a free-scoring Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadi-um here on Saturday.

Chennaiyin, currently fifth in the standings, are the league’s most potent attacking force having scored 10 times, the most, alongside Mumbai and league leaders Pune City. On the other hand, the Blasters have earned the dubious distinction of conceding late goals and they let in winners on 87, 83 and 72 minutes against Delhi, Goa and Pune in succession.

However, Morgan is confident his players can regroup and see through the crisis period. “I can’t say there is a lack of self belief or self confidence. We know we have good players, but just need that one win,” said the Englishman.

Morgan refused to shed light on whether they would stick to Taylor’s trying 3-5-2 formation used in all six matches, but has hinted ‘something different’ could be on show. Morgan stressed on ‘individual errors’ that cost them points in the last four rounds.

Mohammed Rafi’s fine form — three goals in two games — gives hope and the manager is also praying for a clean sheet despite seeing his hesitant defense allow Nick Shorey create three effortless assists in Pune on Tuesday.

Chennaiyin’s attacking prowess rest with Colombian striker Stiven Mendoza who has scored six goals in four games and the imaginative Elano Blumer, who has provided the killer pass four times.

Assistant coach Vivek Nagul said they would continue their attacking game, but respect Kerala. “They are a strong side with good support,” said Nagul.