ISL 2017: Kerala Blasters coach hints at position change for Dimitar Berbatov

Kerala Blasters Manager René Meulensteen said he was not concerned with his team's performance in the season opener, and wants to move on to their next match against Jamshedpur FC.

Meulensteen said, "The first match is all about the anxiety of the new season, and the performance is only a concern when it repeats for a few games."

The Kerala boss added that the match against Jamshedpur FC will be a difficult one. "Steve Coppell plays more of direct play and we have to be careful throughout the game," he said. "We know what the stadium can bring out and will try to get three points."

When asked about Dimitar Berbatov playing a deeper role in the coming games, Rene said it has been only one game and the technical team is accessing the player's role in the team.

On Arata Izumi playing as a central midfielder in the first game, Rene said, "With age, players lose their pace and for playing in wider position players should have explosive speed."

In the pre-season Izumi impressed the staff with his passing skills and control on the ball, they experimented by putting him n the central role and he impressed all with his performance.

Iain Hume, who was present for the press conference said, "Jamshedpur FC have a good defensive line. Anas is one of the best players in India and we have to be prepared to face them."

He added, "Each year the teams have new players and the team which adapts to the changes faster will be the successful team."

René Meulensteen expressed his doubts about Wes Brown's fitness. The former Manchester United defender has got a stiffness in his calf.

He said, "We don't want to lose players for three or four weeks and we'd rather wait and be careful than sort of gamble and lose him."