ISL 2025-6: Renedy Singh identifies intensity and set-play discipline as priorities against Punjab FC

Bengaluru FC head coach demands intensity, structure ahead of Punjab FC clash

Bengaluru FC are set to face Punjab FC at home in their next 2025-26 Indian Super League season fixture, with the Blues aiming to make the most of familiar conditions once again. The fixture is all set to take place on the 27th of February 2026 at 07:30 PM. Having already played their opening fixtures at home, the focus remains on maintaining momentum and intensity before the schedule shifts towards a series of away matches.

Bengaluru FC head coach Renedy Singh addressed the media ahead of his side’s fixture against Punjab FC, speaking about the physical challenge posed by the opponents, the importance of maintaining intensity, concerns over set-piece defending, squad availability, and the need for collective responsibility.

Here are the quotes from the press conference

On Punjab FC and the physical challenge

Renedy Singh was first asked about the challenge posed by Punjab FC, particularly their physical approach and compact defensive structure.

“Of course, it will be a challenge. If you look at the past games, it has always been tough. But tomorrow will be another day. Like you said, it will be a physical match. But we are looking forward to it. If you go back to the Super Cup, it was quite a close match. Not many chances created. Only from our side once, we had good chances and from their side also. Tomorrow, I am sure, the match will be tough. But then again, we are playing a home match. We have to see how we can bring out the best from it.”

On whether the Super Cup campaign result would be a motivation for this fixture

The previous meeting between the sides, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat for the Blues. On being asked whether that result would serve as added motivation or if he viewed the upcoming match as a separate challenge, The head coach agreed.

“Of course, it should be a motivation. You know, nobody wants to lose. We don’t want to lose a club like BFC. You know, even a draw is a bad result. Even a draw is a bad result at home or away. So, you can see that, you know, tomorrow, we have to go all out. And I feel players, nobody wants to lose and we lost in tiebreaker. And like, it was a very crazy match last time, you know, it was 50-50. So, I’m sure Punjab will also come after losing in Jamshedpur. They will also come hard on us. But then again, we, ourselves, we players, everyone has to be ready for that, ready for the game,”

On squad availability and injuries

The head coach was also asked to provide clarity on Rahul Bheke’s condition after the defender picked up a knock in the previous match.

“We will decide that tomorrow again. It all depends on Rahul, how he has been feeling. But let’s see how he feels exactly. If he is ready tomorrow, yes, he will. If not, maybe in the next game. So, we will check again and take our decision tomorrow morning.”

“Our striker, Monirul, he had a little knock and Twisted his ankle. So, maybe we will see for him tomorrow. other than Moni and Rahul Bheke, I think everyone is there. Everyone is there, fit, ready to go.”

On areas of improvement and set piece defending

The coach expanded on the corrective measures being implemented in training to address set-piece defending, an area he had openly acknowledged required improvement.

“Set-place defending is what I have mentioned after the match also. And that is what we have to work on in future games also. If you see, set piece also played a big part in football. So, yes, if I would like to improve, I would like to improve on the areas where we defend our set-place well.”

“In terms of creating chances, we hit the bar once. We hit the post once. And the chances that we have created, we have created a few more goals. But then again, on the other side, opponents have created on throw-in and corners. And that is where we have to avoid. That is where we don’t have to give chances.”

On focus, home advantage and upcoming fixtures

Given that Bengaluru FC were playing consecutive home matches before a stretch of away fixtures, Renedy Singh was asked how crucial it was to secure momentum at home before heading on the road.

“The most important thing is, home or away, we concentrate on the match that we are going to play. Home or away, anywhere. Yes, at home or away, we will be giving our best. But then, forgetting about, let’s not think about the rest of the matches. Let’s think about this game.”

On intensity and managing a shortened season

The coach was further questioned about sustaining intensity across matches in shortened campaign.

“It’s a challenge, yes. But then if you see the first game, we finished on a higher note. We finished the same as how we started with the players coming in. We finished with the same intensity.”

“If you look at the last 10 minutes, how we finished and the intensity we were playing, and you could see that the chances, we have created three chances in the last 10 minutes.

“Finishing the same game with the same intensity is not easy. But I’m happy with my players. At least they are trying their best. They’re giving their 100%.”

On favorites tag and approach to the match

With Bengaluru FC viewed by many as favorites heading into the fixture, Renedy Singh was asked whether he considered his side to hold an edge in the contest or if he was approaching it as an evenly matched encounter.

“I don’t want to be good on the paper. I want to see that our players are giving their 100% best tomorrow. Fighting out for every single ball. And defending well. Attacking well.”

“Football is all about fighting. We have to play as if tomorrow is the last match.” He concluded

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