ISL 2018-19: David James - Kerala Blasters were the stronger side and should have won

Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin disappointed their fans and the neutrals with an absolute pallid Southern Derby in the Indian Super League which ended without goals. 

Kerala boss David James was disappointed with this result which meant that his team is now winless since their opener against ATK. James believes that his team should have walked away with all three points for the performance they put in. 

"We lost three games in a row. We didn’t want to lose a fourth. In the second half, we could’ve and should’ve won the game. We were the stronger side towards the end. They were hanging on with time wasting but we wanted a win. It was an improvement, we had our chances. We were still the team we should’ve won.

"A lot more confidence about us after this fixture. First time, we haven’t scored but I think we’ve been losing players. Couple of injuries today also. It is frustrating."

Speaking about the team selection, the Englishman pointed out the dilemma he faces when he attempts to give the younger players some playing time in order to build for the future. 

“Young players did well tonight. Our planning is for a longer term. We want to win it all while building for the future. It is a bit of a paradox.”  

“(Courage) Pekuson is injured. We hope to have him back for Pune. He is not fit to travel. He was touch and go for today but not fully fit. I don’t leave out players unless they are not fit.

"I have a problem with players breaking down in the middle of a game. That has happened too many times." 

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James spoke highly of Sandesh Jhingan's cameo but suggested that the decision to bench the player was due to training ground performances. 

“Sandesh came on and I thought he was excellent after he came on. It (the mistakes) were due to a few unforced errors. A little bit of nerves from both sides caused them. Sandesh came on and put in a great shift.

“He helped us a lot more with getting on the front foot. We didn’t quite get anywhere. I felt that the way we were intending to play influenced our starting lineup today. Training performances influence selection a lot but a knock he picked up forced that changed.”