Kerala Blasters FC will face NorthEast United FC on the 15th of April, 2026, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor. The 2025-26 Indian Super League action returns to Kochi for the first time since the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match between India and Hong Kong.
Blasters Seek to Climb the Table
Kerala Blasters FC, following their victory against Bengaluru FC, have secured valuable points, providing relief from the threat of relegation. While the Blasters remain in 13th position, the points difference with Mohammedan SC offers reassurance to the players and staff.
The match against NorthEast United, who are coming off two consecutive losses, presents a significant opportunity for Ashley Westwood and his team. Securing three points could elevate them a couple of spots higher in the league table.
Westwood’s Pre-Match Thoughts
Ahead of the match, Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ashley Westwood addressed the media. He discussed the team’s motivation and the challenges posed by NorthEast United FC.
The Blasters’ 2-1 victory against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, their first of the season, was achieved through goals from Victor and Fransico. When asked about the win’s impact on the team’s motivation, Ashley Westwood responded, “Yeah, of course, it is always nice to get the first win, for the guys’ motivation, it was important for that, the way we coach, the way we try and bring the atmosphere of togetherness in the squad of players, it is enough for us to generate the motivation and for themselves to generate that. At the end of the day, you are playing football in the ISL, representing Kerala Blasters, and you have the responsibility to be motivated to yourselves.“
“Any players who are not motivated will not be a part of the squad. It’s obviously good for the morale and the team spirit to get the first win, but we have been working really hard to stay focused and take every game as it comes, and we do not have many left, so you know the motivation is to play well, impress me and the management and to keep your place in the club, because that’s what football is all about and if not you’ll be not a part of the club or your job”
Respect for NorthEast United
Westwood also spoke about the threat NorthEast United pose. “I think NorthEast are in a false position, to be honest. They are tricky, they have a good coach, they have an idea of how to play, they have an in-possession system, they have a different out-of-possession system, and the press collectively makes it different for the opponents. I also told the players that this is a tough game. When we look at the Delhi game, NorthEast were statistically better, and the game didn’t look like a 3-0 loss to them, same as our game against Delhi, where we were not supposed to lose 2-0.”
“But this is football, that scoreline was false, and we need to improve ourselves, we need to be on