ISL 2020-21: Kibu Vicuna defends Kerala Blasters FC boys despite brutal loss to Hyderabad FC

By Team Newsable | First Published Feb 17, 2021, 10:58 AM IST

With this loss, Kerala Blasters continues to lurk at the 10th spot, while Hyderabad FC has risen to the third spot. Both the teams are yet to win the Indian Super League title to date. While Blasters is playing the tournament since 2014, Hyderabad made its debut last season.

Kerala Blasters FC's bid for the 2020-21 Indian Super League playoffs came to an end after being brutally defeated by Hyderabad FC, 0-4, at the Tilak Maidan in Goa, on Tuesday. The loss has forced the Blasters to stay at 10th, while Hyderabad has climbed to the third spot.

It all began with Francisco Sandaza's opening strike in the 58th minute, while he doubled it through a penalty, 15 minutes later. While Aridane put in the third in the 86th minute, Joao Victor's fourth in the 91st minute did the job for the Blasters.

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Following the game, Blasters boss, Kibu Vicuna surprisingly defended his boys despite the loss, besides asserting that their inability to bounce back after conceding is something he needs to work upon. "I think match was even and we had the best two chances in first half. We competed very well and again we concede two easy goals. Unfortunately, that's how it's been this whole season and we couldn't come back in the match. Yes, he [Rahul] had an injury after the last match. He wasn't able to play 90 minutes. We thought he could play last 30 minutes. I think team competed well and it was important to score the first goal today. There was a possible penalty in HFC box by their player," he said, reports Sportstar.

ALSO READ: Francisco Sandaza's brace helps Hyderabad FC rout Kerala Blasters FC

"After tonight's game, we have no chance of making top-four. We are going to play the best way possible. I am very happy with training this week, but question of details. We haven't been solid defensively, but it's not enough with the work we do. Club has to prepare best as possible for next season. For me, it's frustrating this season. We were working hard in the first half of season not with our best team. We did team and tactical talks over internet. Very short pre-season, but it was well. We didn't start season well, since then, we have not been consistent," he added.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad manager, Manolo Marquez hailed his boys for putting up a brilliant show, despite not the ideal tactical planning against the Blasters. "As you say, it was key. In some minutes of first half, we played without right-winger and Joel behind striker because too much distance between midfielders. Sometimes you have good luck with decisions and that was very important. I think Joel created problems for Kerala. He [Hitesh] understands the game very good and what to do well. He came into the team after 2-3 games. He was not 100% and 60-65 minutes was enough for him. Another young player HFC can be proud of. I think the five teams in top five deserve to be in top four, but one will have to miss out," he reckoned.

"In first half, we didn't play good football. It was equal game and Kerala played better. If you are in the positions we are in, the first goal is important. We were comfortable after and we scored more. Practically, we are sure in top-five, but we need one number less (laughs)," he concluded.

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