ISL preview: Vukomanovic urges Kerala Blasters to face Bengaluru with full power

Kerala Blasters head coach Ivan Vukomanovic has urged his players to give their best against Bengaluru FC to maintain their position in the playoffs of the Indian Super League.

The Blasters will take on Bengaluru at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium at 7.30 pm on Saturday. The Blasters are third in the table with 31 points while Bengaluru are seventh with 25 points.

In the reverse fixture in Kochi, the Blasters won 3-2. But on Saturday, they will face a formidable Bengaluru.

"Since we played the first game here in Kochi, many things have changed in Bengaluru FC," Vukomanovic said.

"They are now in a positive flow with much more confidence in their squad. They changed a couple of players on the pitch, so it's quite different. So against Bengaluru FC, we have to go with full power and be ready for every duel and be ready to compete with their really good players with lots of experience," Vukomanovic said in the pre-match press conference.

For the Blasters, main defender Marko Leskovic has restarted training after an injury. But Vukomanovic said they were not ready to rush him.

"We expect to see lots of yellow jerseys, that's for sure. We appreciate their support. Whenever we feel this kind of support, for the players on the pitch, they want to give everything and even give above the limit. That's why we get different results at home and away.

"The support we are receiving is priceless, it feels good, whether you're playing home or away, but this is extra power for every team, for every player and they must be proud to have this kind of support." Vukomanovic added.
(With agency inputs)