Marco Pezzaiuoli promises 100% effort ahead of ATK Mohun Bagan clash

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu accompanied the Blues' head coach as they shared their thoughts on the upcoming AFC Cup fixture.

Bengaluru FC is set to face league rivals ATK Mohun Bagan on August 18 in their first AFC Cup 2021 group stage game. After a narrow 1-0 victory over Club Eagles in their final qualification match, the Blues seem to have developed a surge of confidence. With overhauls and a few new faces in both squads, it is certainly going to be a fixture to watch out for. Ahead of the game, head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu spoke at the pre-match press conference.

Speaking on his mentality heading forward, the Bengaluru FC boss began, "The last game was only two days ago, so it was a short recovery. It's not really an advantage. But I can see the glass half empty or half full, and I choose to see it half full."

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"We had a nice spirit in the team after the win, which gives us energy and we are proud and happy to be in the group stage. We play against an Indian team. We lost the last two games against ATK Mohun Bagan; 1-0 and 2-0. But this is a new season for us," he added.

On ATK Mohun Bagan's form and facing them yet again

Marco Pezzaiuoli reflected on his opponent's playing style and form. "We have new players, a new coach, a team team and a new spirit. We have prepared well, but I think ATKMB is the favourite here. They invest a lot of money to win the trophy, they were in the final last year," the tactician expressed.

"ATK Mohun Bagan play a lot of long balls, they like to go for the second ball and press high up on the pitch. We're going to try and find a solution so that we can win the game."

Gurpreet's thoughts on making it to the group stage

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu also expressed his thoughts on the next game. "Because of the pandemic, the conditions are obviously difficult. That's why there are lesser games because you want to consider everyone's safety. But the task is still difficult," he quipped.

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On his desire to perform well in the competition, he said, "It was important to get into the group stage because we want to do well in Asia as a club. It's always been difficult against ATK Mohun Bagan because of the track record, as the coach said."

"But we want to start well and make sure we think about this game first. We want to give 100% tomorrow and then look forward to the next game," he added.

Differences between last game and clashing against ATK Mohun Bagan next

The head coach also opened up on his performance in the previous game and compared it to his upcoming challenge.

"I saw a really good spirit in the team after the win, and there was a lot of energy. But it helps only a little bit. This is a new game, a new start and a new focus. And we need to be very sharp because it could be an aggressive game," Marco Pezzaiuoli opined.

"ATK Mohun Bagan have been playing long balls, which calls for a different approach. But they also have changed things, bringing a French foreign player (Hugo Boumous) into the team. This is one of the biggest transfers in the Indian League."

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Also speaking about his opponent's transfers and investments, he added, "They don't make these transfers to lose games, they want to win the League and the AFC Cup. And that's why they invest a lot of money. But we've also prepared well. With a good spirit and focus, we have a good chance to beat ATK Mohun Bagan tomorrow."

Regarding the Blues' defense

The 52-year-old tactician was quizzed regarding some of his defensive woes ahead of his AFC Cup group stage campaign opener. The Blues committed a few defensive errors in the final third and he felt his side do not need to focus on a single player.

"I don't think we need to give special attention to any players. We have Alan, King, Pratik and Muirang are four very good central defenders. It's a challenge every time for a high standard defender to play against a good striker, but we cannot focus on one player."

"ATK Mohun Bagan are a team and not just a one-man show. We will defend as a team and support our goalkeeper, Gurpreet. We don't want to concede, and we want to try and score. So we will not be preparing anything special for any one opposition player," he elaborated.

On the Indian fan following and viewership

"It's nice that the Indians are watching this tournament because I know that we have a lot of people following us. For India, it's very important to win this group stage and make it to the next round. We have tough games, and our focus is fully on the first game," Marco Pezzaiuoli expressed.

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Gurpreet on his relationship with Sunil Chhetri

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu expressed his feelings on playing alongside club and national team captain, Sunil Chhetri. "The learning process never stops when you are around Sunil bhai. That was one of the reasons I joined the club because I wanted to learn from the best; and I still do. I am sure that many of the other players who have come through the club will say the same," the 29-year-old expressed.

"I have been with Sunil bhai for over a decade in the national team and at club level, and I know how he has become a better professional and I want to do the same. Apart from being an exceptional footballer, he is a great human being as well," he added.

"I think, if you have an opportunity to spend time with Sunil bhai, you don't want to miss out on it. As a player, I am fortunate to be in the same side as him, and I can only wish him the best. He is the best player in India, and I hope he goes on for a long time," Sandhu concluded.

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