In the aftermath of that contest, Eelco Schattorie stormed off the pitch, with a face like thunder at his side’s inability to see out another game. Thus, plenty expected the Dutchman to cut a slightly frustrated figure on the eve of the match against Mumbai City FC.

Yet, nothing of that sort materialised as the Blasters manager chatted away on a variety of aspects, even taking the journalists in attendance slightly aback courtesy the confidence he portrayed.

On being asked what ailment exactly plagued the side, he replied with a broad grin,

On a more serious note though, he started chalking out the flaws that needed ironing. He said,

Additionally, the Kerala manager talked about the side’s goals (or lack thereof), stating that he wasn’t enduring any sleepless nights about Bartholomew Ogbeche’s recent drought. He remarked,

Over the past few weeks, there have been plenty who have jumped the gun on Schattorie and accused him of searching for excuses even when it would’ve been easier to not indulge in them. However, the Dutch coach swatted aside those claims, quipping,

And to be fair to Schattorie, injuries have significantly disrupted the Blasters’ campaign, especially considering they’ve had key players missing all across the pitch.

Yet, he is throwing his weight behind the players available to him, thereby stating that the morale in the dressing room is high, as long as his troops adhere to the game-plan set out.

On being questioned about the number of late goals in the ISL recently, Schattorie opined,

Furthermore, Raju Gaikwad, a former Mumbai City FC player, echoed similar sentiments when quizzed about the Islanders’ susceptibility to set-pieces this term. He said,

At the end of his vibrant press conference, Schattorie talked about how the Blasters were a club in transition and how they needed a bit of time to actually emerge from it with distinction. Having said that though, both the Dutchman and Raju spoke with conviction that Kerala were after all three points tomorrow.

And, thus, on a sultry Wednesday afternoon in Mumbai, the visitors had firmly laid down the gauntlet.

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