A win is a win, but Ashley Westwood is not the kind of coach who lets a scoreline do his thinking for him. Days after Kerala Blasters opened their campaign with a victory and a clean sheet, the head coach sat before the media and spoke less about what had gone right and more about how far his team still has to travel. Ahead of Sunday’s away fixture against NorthEast United, his message was measured and unsentimental. “Yes, we won, but there’s many things to work on,” Westwood said. “We’re not quite there yet. It’s quite far off where we want to be, but that’s normal for the stage of the season that we are in.”
Ashley Westwood on Kerala Blasters’ Fitness and Late Preparation
Westwood was candid about the circumstances his squad has endured. He pointed to a late assembly, a poor-quality pitch, difficult travel, a late arrival of kit and foreign players landing just before matchday. Even so, he found genuine positives in a side that has shown “good character” and the ability to score goals. On fitness, he refused to single out any individual for criticism. He had earlier named Sanan while discussing fitness test results, but he stressed that it was simply a statement of fact. “He’s a good boy, he’s a good player, he’s listening, he’s going to get stronger and fitter, as we all will,” Westwood said. He added that the squad is dealing with only minor niggles and muscle soreness after an intense block of training. Adrian Luna, he noted, is getting stronger after a long layoff. “It’s all good, but it’s a foundation,” the coach said. “We have to grow now and learn and evolve.”
Aiban Dohling Targets Another Clean Sheet for Kerala Blasters
For Aiban Dohling, the clean sheet in the opening game came with an honest caveat. “Last game, we didn’t really have a good game at the back, but we kept a clean sheet, so it was a good start to the season,” the defender said. NorthEast United carry real threat in attack through Alaeddine Ajaraie, Parthib Gogoi and Jithin MS. However, Aiban insisted the focus remains on Kerala Blasters’ own structure. He credited a new arrival at the back with European experience for guiding the younger defenders on and off the pitch. Aiban also spoke warmly about extending his stay at the club for another year, despite receiving offers in the summer. “I want to win something for Kerala this season,” he said. “So let’s try our best and give our best for the match and for the club.”
NorthEast United Pose a Settled, Tactically Flexible Challenge
Westwood did not underestimate the task in Guwahati. NorthEast United began their season with a 1-0 win over Mohun Bagan, a side he described as many people’s pick to challenge for the title alongside East Bengal. He also praised his opposite number, who has spent over three years at the club, as one of the better coaches in the league. “He mixes it up, he tries different formations, different styles, different game plans,” Westwood observed, recalling how NorthEast started with a back five against Mohun Bagan before switching to a back four at half-time. Consequently, he expects the hosts to take the initiative on Sunday. “We just have to make sure that we’re organised and we’re prepared to stand up and be counted,” Westwood said. In the end, he framed the contest in simple terms: “It’s football. It’s two coaches trying their best to win a game of football.”
