We are not happy about the game, bemoans Marco Pezzaiuoli

The head coach reflected on some key issues from the game.

ATK Mohun Bagan scored two past Bengaluru FC to seal their victory in the AFC Cup on Wednesday. A splendid 39th minute header from Roy Krishna followed by Subhasish Bose’s early second half strike ensured the Mariners’ their deserved win.  The Blues’ head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli spoke at the post-match press conference.

Bengaluru FC, despite dominance with the ball, struggled in the final third. While the synergy between Roshan Singh, Suresh Wangjam and Cleiton Silva was noteworthy, the overall performance was overshadowed by the defeat.

"I think it was a strange game. I think we had 90 minutes of domination, but in the end we had no chance. The ball play was bold till the final third; it was good. But, in the final third, we didn't create one chance," he began.

"ATK in the first half had two chances on the counter. They had two big chances. The goal that we conceded was again a corner against us. One player was not in the right position. But, as a team; a young team that hasn't played much together, we need to organize and talk better to put him in his position. That's why we conceded this goal. But, the team had a fighting spirit throughout the 90 minutes," he added.

Takeaways from the game

The 52-year-old tactician also spoke about some of his key observations throughout the match. "In the game, building up, keeping the ball in midfield and our counter-pressing was very good.

"They (ATK Mohun Bagan) played long balls and hoped to find our mistakes. We made too many mistakes, especially in the defence during the second goal. We are not happy about the game, but I picked something for the future. That's important and we need to improve in the last third."

Expectations on the next two fixtures

When posed a question on facing Bashundhara Kings and Maziya S&RC next, Marco Pezzaiuoli instantly responded that he was more focused on the next match. "I'm focusing on what we did good and what we need to improve, such as defence and counters in corner-kicks, creating chances and scoring goals. That's important in football," he emphasized.

Thoughts on Bashundhara Kings' form

"I think all four teams in the group are of very good quality. They are fitter because they have played more games. But again, we are preparing for the next game. We will try to play our style of football and create more chances and score more goals.

"I think that is key in the game. We will also be more focused and concentrate on our defence organization," he responded when asked about The Kings' red-hot form.

Advancing to the next round

Marco Pezzaiuoli was also quizzed on problems in case his team advanced to the next round. To this, he replied, "I think there's a big problem. But, compared to the playoff game and now, we played much better and that too against a stronger team. Our final third has been weak, both in this game and the last game.

"I think it's about time. When you are together longer like ATK who have played longer together, you have a more experienced team. Experienced players learn it easier and faster, but we have a very young team. That's why it takes more time. When you have more time together, you have better details and quality," the tactician added.

Lastly, he was also asked about his hopes of qualifying for the next round. "Of course! But, I will have to watch the next game. I cannot talk about what happens further. We lost today with zero goals and zero points. I cannot talk about the last two games. I am confident and I hope we beat the strong Bangladesh team," he replied.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.