Simon Grayson: Aim is to play with confidence not arrogance

Bengaluru FC defender Sandesh Jhingan had some charming words to say too!

Bengaluru FC lock horns with neighbours Chennaiyin in an intriguing ISL 2022-23 fixture that can be of huge consequence in the playoffs race. BFC are on a run of three consecutive victories, while Chennaiyin have four points from their last five matches. On the eve of the Southern Derby, BFC head coach Simon Grayson and defender Sandesh Jhingan addressed the media. Here is what they had to say.

BFC’s good form heading into the match

Grayson outlined that his team must be respectful of the opponent and play a crucial fixture with confidence and no arrogance. He wants his side to control the right aspects of the game in a bid to continue the winning streak.

He started, “Everybody realizes that it’s an important game for both sides. The games this weekend and the next could shape the way the league finishes. But all we can do is control what we can and that is our performance tomorrow. We're going into this game with a lot of confidence because we've scored three goals and have a clean sheet in the last game, which was really pleasing.

"The aim is to play with confidence, not arrogance, because we're respectful of what Chennaiyin FC can pose. They’ve got some good players and been around the playoffs race for large parts of the season. So, it should be quite an exciting match and hopefully, it’s another game where we can come out on top,” he added.

Getting the right amalgamation of ingredients for success

Ruthlessness in front of goal has been a key factor in Bengaluru FC’s recent success. They have made the most of their chances in front of goal after being wasteful early on in the season. Simon Grayson mentioned that his team has found the right balance during a crucial juncture.

He said, “We've to keep working hard in training and not get too carried away. In football, if you get too high, you can come unstuck. If you get too low, you might not get back to where you want to get to. We want to be level-headed, do the basics right, be ruthless when we get our chances, and defend well together as a team. We have got those ingredients in the last few games and hope to take that into tomorrow’s game as well.”

Chennaiyin FC's win drought

Chennaiyin are winless in five, and injuries to Rahim Ali and Nasser El Khayati have hampered their progress this season. Grayson is wary of the threat his upcoming opponents possess.

“At this stage of the season where we are in the league, there is a need to try and win the games. They’ll be desperate to end the run that we were in not so long ago, and that is how quickly football can change. They’ve got some talented players. Teams can go through dips throughout the season," he opined.

He added, "Other teams have good moments and bad moments, and all I can concentrate on is what we are doing. Hopefully, we’ve had our share of bad moments and we can kick on and finish the season really strong and see where it takes us. We want to continue playing with the confidence gained in the last few weeks.”

Making the most of the home advantage

Simon Grayson hopes that the big game atmosphere the fortress always delivers comes to his team’s aid in the upcoming fixtures. BFC have four home games out of their last five, and the fans have remained loyal to the Blues despite a disappointing start to the league season.

“Our stadium is renowned for having an unbelievable atmosphere. I’m sure it’s going to be a cracking atmosphere here tomorrow and for the next few weeks. This place will be rocking if we give the fans enough reasons to cheer for us," said the mentor.

The environment at Bengaluru FC

Following a difficult start to the season that saw BFC dip to as low as ninth on the table on occasions, the resurgence of the Blues has added an alarmed the top six hopefuls. Defender Sandesh Jhingan attributes the new-found spirit to the never-give-up attitude of the players.

He mentioned, “Even in our low moments, no one gave up. That's what I really admire about this club. This team had the desire and fire to change the situation we were in. We believe in ourselves and I have to give credit to the whole team for this turnaround. The mentality in this club is great. Everybody wants to win and it’s a family environment - something which makes me admire the club. I’m enjoying my time here and want to end the season on a high, in the same way we started it.”

The mantra for success

Simon Grayson and his players have repeatedly outlined the importance of training sessions in the turnaround. Jhingan added, “Everyone’s been working really hard in training. We want to stay humble, believe in ourselves, and take it one day and game at a time. This has helped us massively and we want to continue in the same vein tomorrow. The club has got some top young talents in Roshan (Naorem Roshan Singh), (Namgyal) Bhutia and all the credit should go to the youth system. The thing I like about these young guys is they are so humble. They work hard every day and it augurs well for the National Team too.”

Jhingan's return to form

Jhingan has finally looked like his old self in the last couple of games, putting his body on the line and doing everything in his power to help the team’s cause. He credits the tactician for refuelling his confidence, “I always thank Simon (Grayson) for the confidence he gave me when I joined the club. When you get that backing from everyone, you are able to play to your potential. I’m very happy with how it’s going for me, but I always put the team first.”