As Kerala Blasters are getting ready to kickstart their campaign in the fifth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), head coach James David has exuded full confidence in his new-look team.
The Kochi-based side will lock horns with familiar foes ATK in the inaugural match of ISL Season 5 in Kolkata on September 29.
Interacting with mediapersons here on Thursday, the former England goalkeeper said: “We have 25 players who are unique in their own way. They all possess different set of skills. All of them will be given chance to display their talent.”
“We can go with either a 4-4-2 formation or a 3-5-2 formation, but that alone will not be not enough to yield results. For that to happen, all the 25 team members will have to contribute to the team’s cause,” he said.
“Ours is a young side. We did not want to spend money on experienced, but over-the-hill players. We will be able to buy experience, but it is always better to build it. Such a policy will definitely benefit the team in the long run.”
On committing his future as head coach of Blasters till 2021, the 48-year-old said: “I have signed a new three-year deal, but it does not mean I will not go all out to win the title this year. The fans here are passionate and knowledgeable. They care about the franchise and its growth, and I have no doubt that they will support their team through the good and bad times. It is also good to see the great respect and admiration for the previous owners of the franchise.”
Commenting on the adverse remarks made by Dimitar Berbatov while leaving the club at the end of the last season, James said without mentioning the Bulgarian: “Some big players might have had their priorities coming into the ISL. They got disappointed when they failed to realise their objectives.”