Bengaluru FC's Renedy Singh optimistic ahead of Mumbai City showdown

The deputy tactician believes the club is ready for their first away fixture.

Bengaluru FC’s stand-in head coach, Renedy Singh, expressed his optimism about the team ahead of their upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) match against defending champions Mumbai City FC. With regular head coach Gerard Zaragoza absent due to a suspension from the last game against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Renedy Singh is now in charge of the squad and thinks they’re up to the task.

The Blues, who have had a flying start to the 2024-25 ISL season, are now preparing for their first away game for this season. With the bars set high after three back-to-back wins, it will be interesting to watch how they tackle the intensity of the opponent’s crowd when they lock horns against the Islanders at the Mumbai Football Arena.

Ahead of their travel to Mumbai, substitute head coach Renedy Singh and midfielder Alberto Noguera spoke to the media in the pre-match press conference. Excerpts are below:

On the team’s optimism and positives

Renedy Singh gave a positive picture of the squad and shared his insights into how they want to win another game and maintain the momentum they have built over the previous three home games. He stated, “This is a very good start to our season, and we hope to continue this form for as long as we can. It is not going to be easy as Mumbai are a good side, but I’m sure the boys will put on a strong show against them. My job is to focus on the game at hand which is very important.”

The stand-in head coach also mentioned how the squad has been playing well together since the end of the Durand Cup and how they have continued to build on that success as the ISL has begun. “I think the squad has been gelling well right after the Durand Cup and it is showing through our performances. We want to continue this form for as long as we can and that is the plan,” Renedy Singh added.

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Thoughts on the opponent

Renedy Singh spoke about how the team is preparing hard, knowing that the match against Mumbai will not be easy for them. He elaborated, “Mumbai is a strong side as we have seen in the past. For now, I just want the boys to focus on how we have played so far and I’m sure it will be a tough match against them. Right now, our focus is to take the season one match at a time and do our best on the pitch every time.”

Bengaluru FC midfielder Alberto Noguera also emphasized the team’s focus on securing points, regardless of the opponent as he mentioned, “It doesn’t matter to me who I play against. Three points are three points, and we need to do everything to get those points to be on top of the table.”

Alberto Noguera on his shift from Mumbai to Bengaluru

Alberto Noguera reflected on his move from Mumbai City FC to Bengaluru FC, emphasizing the dedication and happiness that he is longing for after joining the Blues this season.

“There are many things that influence a player’s decision to move from one club to another. I was happy in Mumbai and now I’m happy here. My role at both clubs was to do my best in the position I was asked to play in. I am here to help the team and be a part of this philosophy. I am very happy that the team has gotten off to a great start and I’m always there whenever they need me,” Noguera shared.

Alberto Noguera’s on the team’s development and the time off between games

Alberto Noguera praised the team’s overall performance while highlighting the need to adapt to different styles of play based on the coach’s guidance. “I think everyone is doing well in the team. We need to just keep doing what we are doing. We need to adapt to different styles as well, depending on what the coach says but we are here to help the team to win.” Noguera stated.

He also acknowledged the upcoming break as both a positive and a challenge for maintaining momentum. He concluded, “There is a break after this game, which is both an advantage and maybe also a bit of a disadvantage. It is good for us to rest and spend some time with our families, disconnect, but at the same time we need to start again when we are back.”

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