Sports

Coach says TN will go all out to beat Kerala

Hosts Tamil Nadu go into an all-important Santosh Trophy South Zone qualifiers’ last league match against Kerala on Saturday with a superior goal difference but Tamil Nadu coach A

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Chennai

Robin Charles Raja said the difference would never come into the picture. “I am going to go all out for three points. We have a plan in place and we will play to our strengths,” he said. 

Tamil Nadu will also have the services of Kali Alauddin, who missed the hosts’ first match against Telangana, as the player has recovered from a foot niggle. 

“The physio has given green signal for Kali to play and it would be a boost for us,” the Tamil Nadu coach added. Kerala endured a tough match against Telangana on Thursday but their coach Narayana Menon exuded confidence and said they have a different game plan for their neighbours. “There will be a different starting XI. 

Kerala will play an all-attacking game and my boys are prepared to give their best. I also have a couple of surprises in store for Saturday,” he said. Admitting that Tamil Nadu have an advantage due to goal difference, Menon said he is ready to tackle the hosts. 

“I know Tamil Nadu will come hard at us. Although they have a better goal difference, no coach would play for a draw. I have seen them play and a strategy is in place for Saturday,” the Kerala coach added. Menon said that he had given his best players enough match practice to enable them to shine against the hosts.

 “I wanted to test my wings and I am happy with the way they have responded. The entire unit is in great shape,” he added.

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