The stage is set for a thrilling Southern Derby as Kerala Blasters lock horns with league leaders Bengaluru FC at the iconic Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Friday. While the home side will draw strength from the passionate support of the famous Manjapaddas, Kerala Blasters head coach Mikael Stahre faces a daunting challenge against a Bengaluru team that remains undefeated this season.
The pressure is on for Kerala Blasters to secure a victory. Stahre acknowledged the formidable nature of the Bengaluru squad, highlighting their defensive prowess: “It will be a hard home game. We know Bengaluru is a very good team. They haven’t conceded a goal yet, hopefully tomorrow. That’s absolutely our target. And we need to attack fast.” He emphasized the importance of a dynamic and energetic performance to engage the passionate home crowd.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru head coach Gerard Zaragoza is confident in his team’s ability to secure another positive result. He is particularly impressed by the performance of defender Naorem Roshan Singh, who scored the winning goal against Punjab FC in their last match. Zaragoza praised Singh’s defensive capabilities and his growing confidence, emphasizing his ability to create problems for opponents: “He is improving in defence. It is too difficult to attack Roshan. In one-on-one situations, he is very good. He has a lot of confidence, and we are working with him to arrive more (often in the box) because he’s helping us as a winger.”
This match promises to be an intense encounter with both teams determined to secure a crucial three points. The Kerala Blasters will be aiming for a victory to boost their position in the league standings, while Bengaluru FC will be looking to maintain their undefeated streak and solidify their place at the top of the table. The Southern Derby is set to be a captivating affair, and fans can expect an exciting battle on the pitch as both teams strive for dominance.