Kerala Blasters expecting 'fierce' game against NEROCA

Kerala Blasters will have their task cut out when they face NEROCA FC in the ongoing Hero Super Cup competition here tomorrow.

Blasters gaffer David James said he is expecting nothing short of a 'fierce game' against NEROCA.

"It's definitely going to be a fierce game against a side who finished second in the I-League," James said in the pre-match press conference today.

"We have seen some terrific matches in the qualifiers and the round of 16. We are also expecting a same type of game tomorrow. But, we have come here to win and we'll try our level best to accomplish it.

"We want to stay alive in the tournament and see how far we can proceed," he quipped.

James gave full marks to the pitch and applauded the groundsmen.

"The groundsmen deserve a huge applause for their job. It's a terrific pitch to play a game. I thank the All India Football Federation to give us an opportunity to test each other on such a fantastic pitch. It's just another testament to the growth of Indian football of late."
"We will give our blood on the pitch to get the job done tomorrow. We are the only Manipuri club in the I-League and we have won four out of nine awards in our debut I-League season itself. We have enough potential and we are feeling the fire in our belly now."
"We went very close to the championship but eventually, finished in the second spot whereas or goal was to finish within top three. Now, we are looking forward with more seriousness and we are here to win the title."
"The humidity and heat is a concern. But playing in the late evening will be favourable to us."