Kerala Blaster - Press Conference David James
Indian Super League Final ~ ISL Official 2014/12/20
David James’ Kerala Blasters side saw their Hero Indian Super League season end in
heart-breaking fashion, losing 1-0 in the final to a last-minute Atlético de Kolkata
goal. The Kerala head coach was visibly disappointed at the post-match press
conference, but he was gracious in defeat.
David James: Kolkata won. That’s the truth. I did say yesterday that they were the
best team in the competition, though I was hoping we could still beat them, of course.
The implication that Kerala looked the more likely side to score throughout the final
was not unwarranted, as James’ team dominated possession and created numerous
opportunities to score, only to succumb to Mohammed Rafique’s injury-time winner.
David James: We had chances to beat them. It just goes to show that you have to play to the final whistle. A minute before the end, we switched off on a set piece, and it cost us the match.
James credited the opposition for their game management, as Kolkata’s defence withstood the Blasters’ attacks before striking at the right moment, and praised the Antonio López Habas-coached side for their performance throughout the tournament.
David James: Kolkata started so well in the competition – they were the best team. They were the best passing team and the best ball control team. Today, they seemed to control the game at the right times.
The 44-year-old goalkeeper, who made a comeback to the playing side after recovering from an injury in time for the final, went on to describe the ISL final.
David James: It was tense, and not necessarily the most attractive game of football. But, it was a cup final. Two teams with very good defences, with all the defensive records – we had the best defence in the league phase, and Kolkata probably had the best in the last six or seven games. It was always going to be a tight affair.
Opposing keeper Apoula Edel Bete was arguably Kolkata’s best player on the night, always finding the save to keep Kerala at bay, including a point-blank fingertip save from Michael Chopra’s shot. Edel came in for special praise for what James considered to be a match-winning performance.
David James: Edel’s produced a wonderful save – a fitting ‘Moment of the Match’ – to keep Chopra out. He produced a save to win the first ISL championship.
The former Liverpool and Portsmouth goalkeeper was asked about Kerala Blasters co-owner Sachin Tendulkar, who could be seen talking to the heartbroken Kerala players after their loss.
David James: He said that our team won hearts. He told us that he’s lost for Mumbai in a big cricket match. It’s quite interesting to speak to a sportsman who has been through the ups and downs. It was quite galvanising for the side to have Sachin as an owner, to have someone to talk to who had experienced what he wanted his side to do in this competition.
James also reflected on the season overall, and was proud of his team for their play throughout the tournament.
David James: I’m disappointed, of course. I don’t like losing games. But I have to be positive about the fact that my side got to the final and pushed the champions to literally the last minute. It’s a bittersweet moment.
The player-head coach signed off by gushing about his time in India.
David James: I’ve enjoyed my experience in India completely – to the point where I haven’t even been thinking about Christmas! I’ve enjoyed myself here so much that that’s been all-consuming. The positives for Kerala – we had the best fans in the ISL. I think that was demonstrated today by the support that we had. And I’d like to say that my job was almost easy, because I had such a good squad.
