The last thing Kerala Blasters fans want to be reminded of is the need for clean sheets. After ending their 18-game run without a clean sheet in a late-November home fixture, the Blasters conceded five in two matches to return to old ways.

On the eve of their next ISL match against league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the Blasters got a bitter reminder about 'clean sheets' from one of their former stars, Sahal Abdul Samad.

Even though it wasn't the midfielder's intention to trigger his former employers, Sahal repeatedly highlighted the significance of keeping a clean sheet. In his interaction with media persons in Kolkata, Sahal said: "In this league, the less we concede the more the chances of winning the leauge shield. The coach always tells us to remain calm and not concede goals."

Of the eight goals Jose Molina's side conceded in their ten ISL matches this season, seven came in the first three matches. Since October 5, MBSG have scored 12 goals and conceded just once, keeping six clean sheets. During the same period, Mikael Stahre's Blasters conceded 15 goals.

Sahal refused to make a statement about the Blasters' poor defending, he said it was 'just another important game'. "I don't have any answers to that. I don't know what is happening there. They will want to come strong at us, they will want to win so they will give us a healthy competition. We're ready for a great fight," Sahal said. He then added: "Our main aim is to play, win and keep the clean sheet."

The Blasters are languishing in the 10th position, with 11 points, 12 fewer than their Saturday's opponents, who also have a game in hand. Sahal played five seasons for the Blasters, making 92 ISL appearances, scoring ten goals and providing eight assists. He joined MBSG in July 2023.

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