ISL 2017/18: David James hints at return to Kerala Blasters next season

Ahead of the Kerala Blasters last home game in Indian Super League 2017-18 against Chennaiyin FC, both managers John Gregory and David James shared their expectations on qualifications for the playoffs. Gregory said his team is all set for the clash after a five-day break and want to cross the line by confirming the qualification to the Playoffs.

John Gregory said, "Our players played well against Jamshedpur and showed amazing work ethics to come back to get a draw." Gregory complained about the congested fixtures in Indian Super League as they played four games in 12 days. He said,"It was a tight fixture and we could only get 5 points from 4 games which have delayed our qualification to playoffs."

Gregory said the Kerala Blasters team that they faced last time was struggling. He said the players and coaches were struggling and only one home win at home in front of such huge fans was a bad result. Gregory praised the impact David James has brought to the team and said, "James had nothing to lose. He came with a positive attitude and made necessary changes which have made the impact on the results."

Kerala plays an offensive style of football and has chances of qualifying to the playoffs if they keep on playing like that. Gregory said he is not ready to experiment with the team at such a late stage of the tournament as the team is in good form and does not want to make any changes to the team.

Kerala Blasters manager said he would rely on players' confidence than on faith as he pushes for a playoff finish. He said, "When I came here most of the players didn't know me, and my experience in coaching field was also questioned. but the talented people around the team have helped me in doing my work."

He reassured that his objective has not changed and his aim will be to win the rest of the matches. He said he expects a good fight from Chennai and added that all the ISL teams are giving a good fight without looking at their respective position in the league table.

James praised Dimitar Berbatov by saying, "The value he brings on the field when he is playing is more important than his position." He added that Berbatov who has a coaching license has been helping the young players to improve their game. James said scoring goals and winning will be the priority rather than getting a clean sheet.

On continuing as the Kerala Blasters Manager for next season James said, "I took the job very quickly as I was excited to take the job and will be interested to come back next year. I am very excited to be a part of the transfer dealing for the next the next season but have not decided if I will continue next year."

On the newly introduced Super Cup, Chennaiyin FC Coach said he is not in a mood to comment on the Super Cup as he has an important game tomorrow. David James welcomed the move by saying he was excited to face I-League teams in the new tournament. He said the I-League teams have got good quality but were only concerned about the quality of pitches they have.