Kerala Blasters, who are third in the ISL table, go into the game on the back of an eight-match unbeaten run. They will be determined to take their streak to nine games and reduce the gap with table-toppers Hyderabad FC on Sunday.

Mumbai City FC, though, are yet to taste defeat in the ISL this season under Des Buckingham. A win against the Yellow Army this weekend would see them reclaim their place at the top of the table.

If there is a team that can put an end to the Islanders’ unbeaten run, it would be Kerala Blasters. Asked if he thinks the same, the Blasters’ head coach Ivan Vukomanovic replied:

The Serbian added:

Vukomanovic, though, is relishing the prospect of going up against a formidable side like Mumbai City FC on Sunday. He said:

The Kerala Blasters boss then pointed out how Mumbai City’s financial muscle power has made them the invincible team that they are now. He explained:

The 45-year-old tactician went on to explain what would it take for Kerala Blasters to beat Buckinham and Co:

The Blasters will be without right-back Sandeep Singh on Sunday due to suspension but Vukomanovic has no qualms about coping without him. He explained:

Vukomanovic also briefly looked back at Kerala Blasters’ 2-0 loss to Mumbai City at home earlier in the season. He thinks Sunday’s clash between the two teams will be a different story, saying:

He continued:

Ivan Kaliuzhnyi is back in the fold after serving a one-match suspension, handing Vukomanovic a major boost. Asked if the Ukrainian will go straight into the line-up in place of Apostolos Giannou on Sunday, the Kerala Blasters gaffer replied:

The Blasters coach also revealed that Sandeep is the only unavailable player for him ahead of the match against Mumbai City:

Vukomanovic would also reflect on Kerala Blasters’ season so far, saying:

The Serbian also pointed out how Kerala Blasters are now well-placed to secure a playoff spot for the second season in a row after struggling to do so for years. He explained:

The Kerala Blasters boss weighed in on the possibility of the club making additions to their squad this month. He said:

Addressing the responsibility of developing football in the state, he continued:

Buckingham committed his future to Mumbai City this week despite having opportunities elsewhere. Asked if this was a good thing or a bad thing for ISL, Vukomanovic replied:

Kerala is tipped to host the Super Cup, which the AIFF plans to bring back, this year. Vukomanovic, though, does not seem too excited for the tournament as he said:

Vukomanovic disclosed that Kerala Blasters will likely field a team that is a mix of youngsters and players who have not featured a lot in the ISL for the Super Cup. He revealed:

Ivan Kaliuzhnyi weighs in on his future at Kerala Blasters

Vukomanovic was joined by Kerala Blasters midfielder Ivan Kaliuzhnyi for the pre-match press conference. The Ukrainian has made 11 ISL appearances for the Kochi outfit, contributing towards five goals in the process.

Kaliuzhnyi missed the Blasters’ 3-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC earlier this week through suspension. He is now in line to return to the fold for their match against Mumbai City FC.

At just 24 years of age, Kaliuzhnyi is a player with a high ceiling and is contracted to a club in Europe. He nevertheless made the decision to join Kerala Blasters on loan last year. Asked what convinced him to move to India, he replied:

He added:

Kaliuzhnyi is scheduled to return to his parent club FK Oleksandriya when his loan deal with Kerala Blasters expires at the end of the season. Asked if he sees a future for himself in Kochi beyond this campaign, he said:

The Ukrainian then revealed that he has enjoyed his time in India so far and said:

The midfielder also explained how the ISL is different from European leagues. He elucidated:

It remains to be seen if Kerala Blasters can be the first team to beat the Islanders in the ISL this season.

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