ISL: James keeps faith in Kerala s title-winning ability

Kochi Jan 5 (IANS) Kerala Blasters FCs newly-appointed coach David James believes he can replicate his first seasons performance with the team and guide them to the final of the Indian Super League season four.

The former England goalkeeper spent a year at Kerala Blasters as marquee player-manager during the inaugural edition in 2014 and took the team to the final where they were unfortunate to lose at the death against Atletico de Kolkata now ATK.

He has now returned to the club for a second stint following the departure of Rene Meulensteen and despite Kerala Blasters having just eight points after eight matches James still believes this team can go far in the ISL.

"I might be a fan of Kerala Blasters but I am not stupid. If I didn t think the squad was capable I wouldn t have come " James said after his side managed a 1-1 draw against FC Pune City in his first game as in-charge.

"I joined the club on the basis that we have a good squad capable of winning ISL " the former England goalkeeper told reporters during the post-match media interaction.

The former Blasters marquee player-cum-manager feels the club has the best fans he has witnessed and is happy to be back in the league which is growing rapidly.

"The league is gaining popularity every passing season and I am happy to be back at my former club having the best fans.

"It s been a turbulent 48 hours for the club and myself. I just got here. We didn t have much of training instead we spoke to each other and put the set pieces for the game " said the former England No1.

James described his first match opponents as the best in the league and was happy with his side s second-half comeback.

"Pune showed their quality. On another day we would have won the game. We played that well in the second-half against the best team in the league " he said.

--IANS
sam/dg