Simon Grayson: I have about 750 games under my belt, but I'm still learning

The Blues coach spoke about his learnings and experiences from a first stint in India.

After qualifying for the playoffs, Bengaluru FC’s next task in hand will be to finish in the top four and have a home eliminator fixture. Simon Grayson's final hurdle is a hurting FC Goa side, whose playoff hopes are not in their hands anymore.

Last time out, Bengaluru FC stretched their win streak to seven by becoming the first team to defeat the Shield Winners Mumbai City FC. Goa, who were favourites at one point to make the playoffs, have been derailed by three winless results on the trot.

Simon Grayson was joined by Aleksandar Jovanovic in the pre-match press conference.

An opportunity to change the line-up

BFC have largely stuck with the same team since getting a run of wins. Having a home playoff tie is high on the agenda for Simon Grayson, but the coach has a couple of players that are a booking away from suspension. He spoke of the situation saying, “I'm in a delicate position because I've got some players at risk of suspension.

The most important thing is that whatever team goes out tries to win the game. We want to keep the momentum. The more players in form, the better it is for the team. Whatever team I put out, it will be in the best interests of the football club.

“I think every team that qualifies for the playoff would like the home tie. If it doesn't happen that way then we've won at some difficult places this season. We've won at ATKMB, Jamshedpur, and some other places so whatever will be will be.”

Jovanovic on that assist and goals for the season

Aleksandar Jovanovic set Javi Hernandez up against Mumbai City to help BFC get a two-goal lead at the Kanteerava. The Australian looked back at the assist, “When I received the ball against Mumbai, I looked around for options. Growing up, my dad used to tell me to take things upon myself, so I just went ahead with it and I'm happy it came out the way it did.”

“ It was a tough game to come back to. But everyone was helping each other out there on the pitch. We carried on the confidence from training and we did well under the circumstances. What we've experienced this season has been brilliant. I'm grateful for this experience in my career, and the aim now is to go on and try to win this."

Team news and competition for starting places

Against Mumbai City, Bengaluru FC missed Parag Shrivas and Roy Krishna through suspension but Sunil Chhetri and Jovanovic stepped in and starred immediately. Simon Grayson is happy to have a selection headache and provided an update on Alan Costa, “I'd rather have to make these tough decisions, than not.

“Alan has had to travel back home to be with his wife, who's had some complications with the birth of their child. He won't be back for tomorrow, but the most important thing right now is that they are safe and healthy as a family, and we wish him the best.”

Current impression of football in India

Simon Grayson spoke about his views on Indian football and the learnings throughout the season, and on the I-League, “What I've found about India is that the quality is really good. There have been times where the games have been very close. I've thoroughly enjoyed it, it's been a learning curve for me. I've had about 750 games under my belt, but I'm still learning. It has been a great experience to travel, sampling the cities, the fanbases.

"I've watched little bits of the I-League. We've got some people watching other Leagues for recruitment and scouting. There are teams there that are desperate to get into the ISL and it's been exciting.”