ISL 5: Kerala were better on the day: ATK coach Steve Coppell after 0-2 defeat

ATK coach Steve Coppell bemoaned his side’s lackluster performance, while also admitting that Kerala Blasters were better on the day after ATK succumbed to a 0-2 defeat at home in the ISL season 5 opener on Saturday.

It was also Kerala’s first win over the two-time champions since 2014. Matej Poplatnik (77^th) and Slavisa Stojanovic (86^th) scored late goals to pile on the misery on ATK.

“They (Kerala) were better on the day. Defensively we never got what we want. We wanted to start the season well. We need a lot to do to bring out the best,” Coppell told reporters at the post-match conference.

Also Read: ISL 5: Kerala Blasters blank ATK 2-0 for a first victory since 2014

“At half-time, I was quite happy. We had more possession. We then gave the ball away on so many occasions. You need to keep possession,” he added elaborating his side’s inefficiency with the ball.

Most of the chances created came from the men in yellow even as ATK’s chief creator Manuel Lanzarote found it difficult to put his stride on the match and apart from a curled effort from a corner that kissed the upright, Lanzarote was kept silent throughout the contest.

But Englishmen Coppell was quick to defend his captain. It is our job to feed Lanza (Lanzarote),” said the 63-year-old former Manchester United striker. “He wasn’t getting the ball so he went deeper. We got to get him higher up the pitch,”

The playing XI of both the sides also sprang a few surprises and while KBFC handed a debut to India’s U-17 World Cup star Dheeraj Singh, ATK left their main striker Kalu Uche on the bench, instead opting for Everton Santos upfront, while Balwant Singh played as a right midfielder.

And asked on why Santos, who spent most of his time playing on the wings for Mumbai City last season was put up-front, a move that unfortunately backfired, Coppell said, “Everton is our only striker with pace. When you have Jhingan (Sandesh) in defence, we needed Everton up top.”

Jayesh Rane was the sole survivor in the playing XI from ATK’s disastrous campaign last term, while the others were making their debut. And although the Kolkata based franchise has roped in top stars from the last season, it still looks short of a team.

“We have got a lot of work to do. In terms of playing as a team, it was sporadic. This is a brand new collection of players. Within five to six weeks it is difficult to get a rhythm.

“We gave the ball away on so many occasions and once they scored the goal I got the feeling we won’t be able to come back. We took long shots but didn’t impact the game,” concluded Coppell.