This is only the start, we need more: Gerard Zaragoza after clinching first win

Zaragoza feels Jamshedpur FC played well in the second half.

Gerard Zaragoza was delighted with a win in his debut game as head coach of Bengaluru FC as the Blues beat Jamshedpur FC 1-0 at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Javi Hernandez’s precise left-footed finish from the spot in the first half proved to be the difference as the Blues kickstarted the Zaragoza era with a win. Jamshedpur FC also created plenty of chances in order to find their way back into the game but found it tough to penetrate the opposition defence with the home team also securing a clean sheet alongside the victory.

Zaragoza said that the first was in Bengaluru FC’s favor but also admitted that Jamshedpur FC put the pressure on them in the second half. He also explained that his team was a little bit tired after the  break but was very happy to get a winning start with the Blues.

“I think that the first half was for us,” Zaragoza stated in the pre-match press conference.

“We tried to keep the ball, and the players, step by step, tried to be confident and arrive more times (in the box). In the second half, Jamshedpur FC, of course, tried to beat us to win the game. But the reality also is that our players played three days ago, and they were completely destroyed. But finally, the three points are here at home. And it’s amazing to start like this,” he added.

The result saw Bengaluru FC end their winless streak of seven games with their last win coming in October. This was just their second victory in 11 games. Zaragoza revealed he told his players to enjoy their game both offensively and defensively without feeling extra pressure.

Speaking in context, he said: “I really enjoy it (the match).”

“During the game, all game I did not feel any pressure. I was enjoying it. Before the match, I said them (the players) to enjoy themselves not only in attack but also in defence. We need to enjoy everything. They have the best work in the world, and they cannot feel this pressure. They really did what I wanted. But this is only the start. We need more,” he continued.

The Blues will host NorthEast United FC in their next match on December 24. Zaragoza wanted his players to focus on one match at a time.

“We need to go day by day,” he said.

“We have a recovery session tomorrow (on Sunday); we have a game also with the B team, and I want to know all the B team. We will prepare day by day for the game against NorthEast United FC, and let’s see,” he signed off.

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