Bengaluru FC head coach Pep Munoz provides crucial injury update ahead of the Odisha FC fixture

The Bengaluru FC gaffer also spoke about the importance of the young players in the team

Bengaluru FC are set to face Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Monday, 04th May 2026 in their next Indian Super League (ISL) fixture that is crucial for both sides as they look to finish the season strongly.

For Bengaluru FC, this fixture carries significant importance as they aim to build momentum in the closing phase of the season. Currently positioned sixth in the table, every point becomes crucial in the final phase of the league.

Facing an Odisha FC team that has struggled for consistency, this presents a valuable opportunity to secure maximum points.

For the Blues this match is not just about maintaining their position in the table, but about delivering a more complete and disciplined performance that proves their potential as a strong team.

The Head coach Pep Munoz spoke to the media at the Pre-match Press Conference ahead of the fixture against Odisha FC.

On the position in the ISL table

The match presents an important opportunity for both teams to secure 3 points. Speaking ahead of the encounter, Bengaluru FC head coach Pep Muñoz emphasised that his side remains focused on immediate objectives rather than their position in the table.

“We are just focused on the next game, and we want to win all the remaining games. It’s not something that we are talking about in the dressing room at the moment. Odisha FC have conceded some goals, yes, but at the same time, they have players who can create chances at the other end. They also defend in numbers, which makes it tricky for the attacking side. We also need to keep an eye out for counterattacks from their end. It’s not going to be an easy game, but we’re focused and ready to give our all.”

On the importance of converting chances in the final third

Bengaluru FC’s inefficiency in the final third was evident in their previous outing against Mumbai City FC, where they failed to register a single shot on target despite having spells of control.

Addressing the importance of improving conversion in attacking areas ahead of the upcoming fixture, head coach Pep Muñoz spoke about the team’s approach and preparation.

“We didn’t register a shot on target in the last game, but the chances that we created were almost converted to goals. I’m really impressed with the team’s training this week; they’re more focused and are ready to go tomorrow.”

About the young players of the team

With Bengaluru FC continuing to integrate several young players into the first team, head coach Pep Muñoz spoke about the importance of developing emerging talent within the squad.

Players such as Soham Varshneya, Kevin singh, Vinith Venkatesh, and Shivaldo Singh have been given opportunities, showing the club’s broader focus on grassroots and youth development

Addressing their development and potential, Muñoz highlighted both their quality and the depth of talent within the team.

“I come from Barcelona, and I am used to playing and training young, talented players. We’ve got some great talent in the Academy, not just in the First Team. Soham is good in games and ambitious as well, in the moments when he gets to be himself. But yes, we’ve got a lot of young players in the team, and I would definitely play them in the upcoming games and I’m very happy about having them in the team.”

Injury updates

Providing an update on squad availability ahead of the fixture, Bengaluru FC head coach Pep Muñoz confirmed that the side will be without key players due to injury.

“Unfortunately, Nikhil Poojary and Ashique Kuruniyan will be out for this game as they’ve both sustained a muscular injury. Well, I cannot give you a day, but we’ll assess him week-on-week. He’s currently not training with the team and is only part of recovery sessions. (on Nikhil Poojary’s injury).”

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