ISL FInals: Indian football great IM Vijayan, who is an absolute legend in all over the country and more so in Kerala has backed the Kerala Blasters to clinch their first-ever Indian Super League title as Ivan Vukomanovic’s men take on Hyderabad FC. The two sides will clash swords at the PJN Stadium in Margao as fans will also return after two years to witness the special game. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.IN
The Blasters have qualified for the ISL finals in the previous two seasons (2014 and 2016) and both times they have finished second best on the big night. But Vijayan feels that this new team has the passion and character to lift the cup for the first time in their history. He also feels that Ivan Vukomanovic’s influence can also help the side win this big clash.
It all comes down to this! 💥
A high-stake encounter as @HydFCOfficial battle it out with @KeralaBlasters for the #HeroISL 🏆#HFCKBFC Match Preview: https://t.co/fDGG46sKbB #LetsFootball #HeroISLFinal #FinalForTheFans #HyderabadFC #KeralaBlastersFC pic.twitter.com/ENvxoZAdVG
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The former India international highlights how it is a tradition in Kerala signifying them to be the third time and hence he feels that the Blasters can win the title this time. “In Kerala, we used to say if you miss the first one, we must take the third one. We will bring the cup home, from Goa. Initially, people believed that Kerala teams can win trophies only on home soil. But now we have the ability to win the cup in Goa. There is always high pleasure when you are trying to win a cup away from your home. That’s how I always felt as a player. My belief is that the Blasters can perform as well as they did in these last semi-final matches in the final,” Vijayan stated.
Vijayan during his days was known for his goalscoring prowess. Similarly he was very impressed with Kerala Blasters’ main man Adrian Luna. He shared how the Uruguayan has been the main presence in midfielder and has scored some sensational goals to help out the team from tight situations.
“Kerala Blasters FC are a great team. We have a team of players who approach the game very sincerely. In particular, Adrian Luna. His goals were very outstanding. We have seen a lot of incredible goals in the World Cup, the Premier League, and the Spanish leagues. Similarly, when there are players like Luna who score goals, I believe we should not be afraid of anyone,” he stated.
He highlighted how Kerala Blasters have had great teams in previous seasons aswell. But he shares how has never seen a more sincere set of foreigners represent the Kerala Blasters.
“In previous seasons, Kerala Blasters FC also had good players. But despite winning the first game, we lost many subsequent games. But in this season, it is not the case. That’s what I said before, that I have never seen such sincere foreign players in KBFC before. To this day, I have rarely seen players in the Blasters tracking back and defending like Luna. He is a perfect fit for Kerala Blasters FC,” Vijayan opined.
Vijayan is also very happy with how things have turned out for Kerala Blasters since appointing Ivan Vukomanovic. He believes that the Serbian tactician brings that sense of calmness to the team which makes them special. “He is absolutely a silent killer. He is a person who does not get up from his seat under any circumstances. He is also a person who always maintains calm whether the team scores a goal or misses a goal. He is the backbone of the Kerala Blasters team. The team will win under his guidance, no doubt about it,” he concluded.
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