TG Purushothaman says conversion is the problem after draw against Hyderabad FC

Kerala Blasters FC interim head coach TG Purushothaman shared his disappointment after a 1-1 draw against Hyderabad FC at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Super League on Wednesday.

Dusan Lagator scored for the Yellow Tuskers in the seventh minute to put the visitors in front. Subsequently, Sourav K equalized for the home time before the half-time.

Kerala Blasters FC had 51.1% possession and took five shots on target. Purushothaman admitted they had their chances but failed to grab them, which was his main disappointment.

“I think we dominated the game, how we played, and how we created more chances. Conversion is the problem that we are facing. Silly things happen, and we have to work as a team to overcome all these things and come back and score more goals,” Purushothaman said during the post-match press conference.

The visitors’ goalkeeper Nora Fernandes saved a crucial penalty while playing only his third game in the ISL and the head coach lauded the custodian.

“In the last three matches, Nora Fernandes has been doing a good job in goal, and hopefully, he will gain more experience. He is a young goalkeeper and a valuable asset for the club, ISL, and the nation,” the coach said.

The gaffer said they are working on playing on the lines in the training session to improve their attack.

“We are working on playing through the lines, which is our attacking pattern, and we have to play more like that to break the opponent’s defence. The lines are key in modern football—you have to play through the lines, play forward, play in the opponent’s half, and score more goals, create more chances, and convert them into goals,” he said.

Kerala Blasters FC ended the ISL 2024-25 season in eighth position in the standings with eight wins, five draws, and 11 losses, aggregating 29 points.