ISL 2025-26: Pep Munoz confident of Bengaluru FC’s future despite inconsistent season

The manager also updated about the availability of Nikhil Poojary

Chennaiyin FC are all set to host Bengaluru FC their last fixture in the ISL 2025-26, which promises to be a crucial game for both the teams. The match is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, 16th May 2026,17:00 IST at the JLN Stadium, Chennai.

The Blues travel to Chennai for a crucial Southern Derby as they look to build on momentum from their recent victory over Jamshedpur FC. The Blues currently sit fifth in the Indian Super League table with 20 points, having drawn the most matches this season, including games against East Bengal FC, Mumbai City FC, and Odisha FC. While their title hopes may appear unlikely, they still remain mathematically alive in the race.

Facing a struggling Chennaiyin FC side at their home fortress presents Bengaluru FC with an important opportunity to secure maximum points, but doing so will require greater focus and control in midfield. Dictating the tempo, winning key battles in central areas, and converting possession into decisive attacking moments will be crucial if the visitors are to leave Chennai with all three points.

Bengaluru FC’s Head coach Pep Munoz spoke to the media at the Pre-match Press Conference ahead of the fixture against Chennaiyin FC

On whether the team’s position on the league table was justified

With Bengaluru FC still fighting to strengthen their position in the Indian Super League table, the head coach reflected on the team’s current standing while also acknowledging the progress they had made.

“At the end, we are in a position for something. We can’t say that our position on the table reflects our performance in a season that was as short as this, but I can definitely see that the team has progressed since I arrived.”

On the team’s performance so far

Speaking about the team’s progress under his leadership, Pep Muñoz expressed satisfaction with the way the players have adapted to his tactical ideas and structure in recent weeks

“I’m a hundred percent satisfied with the team’s performance. I am really proud of how the team is training and, more so, about how we’re playing. We’re working a lot on how to play with a certain structure, and I’m happy with how the players are using our ideas. Super proud of the boys and how they’ve progressed.”

On the squad depth of the Blues

Bengaluru FC head coach highlighted the importance of squad depth, foreign player availability, and strengthening the balance between experienced internationals and domestic talent.

“We need to be at the same level as the opponents. Some teams have had all their foreigners for this season, and we need to also ideally have the same and use our local talent as well to push for the title. At the end, I’m positive that we can do it because we’re ambitious, and I know we can win.”

On the plans for the season ahead

Speaking about the club’s ambitions and future direction, the Bengaluru FC gaffer highlighted the importance of growth, hard work, and strengthening the team ahead of the next campaign.

“Obviously, we have to improve on what we’re doing right now for the next season. We all want trophies, and we need to work hard for them and have everything we need to achieve them. I think next season is going to be hard, and we’re working towards building the best team for it.”

On the availability of Nikhil Poojary

Providing an update on squad availability ahead of the fixture, Bengaluru FC head coach Pep Muñoz confirmed that Nikhil Poojary might be available for the game against Chennaiyin FC

“Poojary was part of the training yesterday and completed the whole session. He will be available for the game tomorrow if everything goes well in training.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.