Kerala Blasters face dazzling Delhi Dynamos

KOCHI: Kerala Blasters coach Steve Coppell has called for massive improvement from his side as they attempt to break the duck against Delhi Dynamos in a Hero Indian Super League clash at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, on Sunday.

Kerala Blasters have suffered two defeats on the trot, including one at home in the last game against Atletico de Kolkata. Their previous loss was in the opener against NorthEast United FC, and although both were narrow solitary goal victories, Coppell knows his team must improve.

“I think we can improve in all areas. Defensively we looked fairly tight (in the last game) and conceded a defensive goal. The midfield got a little bit detached on occasions and the strikers have to improve our scoring level. We can do that. We are working on the training ground,” said the Kerala Blasters manager.

The Kerala Blasters manager, with plenty of experience under his belt, made six changes in the last game and appears to continue with the policy of chopping and changing.

“I don’t think there will be significant changes but there will be changes. The nature of the competition is demanding and you have to evaluate the team and individual performances. There will be a few changes. We are looking forward to this game,” said the former Manchester United winger, who did not elaborate on the changes and kept everyone guessing whether he would continue to use Josue Prieto as make-shift left-back or hand a rare start to former Newcastle striker Michael Chopra up front.

Delhi Dynamos manager and Italian World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta should feel no need to change a winning combination, especially after a convincing 3-1 against Chennaiyin FC. The team looked incredibly good in their opening clash against the defending champions but Zambrotta is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

“It will be an important match for us. We won against Chennaiyin FC but we have to lie low and think nothing happened. We just have to focus on the next match and continue to do our best in the future,” said Zambrotta.

Zambrotta’s side will start as favourites against the struggling Kerala Blasters, although the manager looked at the situation differently.

“Now obviously it’s a worse moment for Kerala because they lost two matches against good opposition. But they are playing at home and are hungry. With 60,000 supporters, it’s obviously a big advantage for them,” said the Italian World Cup winner.