Delighted to have Sunil Chhetri and Rohit Danu back: Simon Grayson

Simon Grayson is optimistic about his team’s chances of finding the winning formula.

Bengaluru FC has started the Indian Super League 2023-24 on a terrible note. Two defeats in the season's first two games have added a lot of pressure on the side that reached the ISL Playoffs final last season. The winners of the 2022 Durand Cup have a tough fixture against East Bengal up next, one that they cannot afford to lose.

Simon Grayson, accompanied by Slavko Damjanovic, spoke to the media ahead of the important clash against the Red & Gold Brigade at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. He talked about getting back to winning ways, playing in front of the home fans and more. 

Here are the excerpts from the interaction:

Importance of playing at home

Bengaluru FC will be playing their first home fixture of the season when they take the field against East Bengal on Wednesday. Talking about how vital it is to play in front of their own fans, Simon Grayson stated, “When the fixtures came out, we were desperate for a home game pretty quickly. We know how important this place is for the fans and for us as well. We do bounce off each other. The atmosphere they create is really important for us.”

“Since the last time we've played here, we've lost two finals. The national team has been here and won. Lots of positive games in Bengaluru over the last few months and we hope to get back to winning ways on Wednesday,” he further added hoping to see his side secure their first win of the season.

Return of the legend

Sunil Chhetri is free from his national duties and has returned to help Bengaluru FC after representing India at the Asian Games. He is joined by new signing Rohit Danu which will bolster BFC’s attacking options. Talking about team selection ahead of the fixture, the tactician said, “Sunil Chhetri is back and so is Rohit Danu, and it is important to have them back. Great to have them back in the attack where we have been lacking a bit. The others have been finding their game-time. You lack in a bit of competition for places, but not anymore with their return, and I'm delighted to have them back.”

“Sunil trained with us on Sunday, Monday and today as well. He's trying to get back into the swing of things and wants to be among the set of players and to be around them,” the head coach said in particular about the highest-scoring Indian in the history of ISL.

Slavko Damjanovic on support of the fans

Slavko Damjanovic has performed well this season but the results have not been favourable. Touching upon the topic of why the home fans will make the key difference in the clash against the Red & Gold Brigade, the defender said, "Personally, I'm excited. We need our supporters, and we need to play well and give 100% on the field and get three points out of this game. The two away games were hard, but we have time to win this and have quality players in the team. I believe we have it in us to win.”