The last time Kerala Blasters opened their season with a 0-1 defeat to NorthEast United in the Indian Super League, they nearly lifted the title. Former England goalkeeper David James, on his managerial debut, inspired Kerala to a dream final, despite the low-key season opener.
The essence of their remarkable first year in the league was an enviable home record that saw them lose just one of their eight outings in Kochi. Kerala failed to defend their fortress last year, managing just eight points from a possible 21 at home, and paid the price.
After starting the new season with a 0-1 loss in Guwahati, the Blasters are hoping to rediscover their mojo as they get behind their fanatic supporters, for the first home game of the season, against Atletico de Kolkata on Wednesday.
Head coach Steve Coppell has urged his players to “keep the ball” and take the game to the opposition in front of what he expects will be “a hostile home support”.
“Against NorthEast we tried to play a more possession-based game though it didn’t work that way and it was a sterile game,” said Coppell. “Maybe it was first match nerves, maybe the feeling of playing away from home, but we’ve to adjust our game and play a high tempo.”
The Kerala camp was bolstered by the availability of fan favourite Josu Currais Prieto who has served a two-match suspension. However, Coppell has hinted that the attacking Spanish midfielder could be deployed as left-back in place of Ishfaq Ahmed.
Visiting coach Jose Francisco Molina has said he likes to treat every match the same way, be it home or away and claims to have a proper plan in place for Kerala. “We watched the NorthEast versus Kerala match and we believe we know something about them and will try to take advantage of some of those situations,” said Molina.
