Pep Muñoz backs Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, discusses SC Delhi challenge ahead of Bengaluru FC’s ISL opener
Bengaluru set to face SC Delhi at Kanteerva!
Bengaluru FC are set to begin their 2026–27 Indian Super League campaign against SC Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, October 10.
The Blues will be looking to make a strong start in front of their home supporters as they embark on a new campaign with renewed ambitions.
The season also marks Pep Muñoz’s first full campaign in charge of Bengaluru FC. Having taken over midway through the previous season and guided the team to a fourth-place finish, the Spanish tactician will now have an entire campaign to implement his playing philosophy and build a side capable of challenging for silverware.
Ahead of the season opener, Muñoz addressed the media at Bengaluru FC’s pre-match press conference, discussing his team’s preparations, the threat posed by SC Delhi and his thoughts on the returning ISL format.
He also defended goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu following criticism of his performance against Brazil, insisting that the Indian international’s contribution should not be judged solely on his mistakes.
Here’s what the coach said
On Bengaluru FC’s pre-season preparations
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After an extended pre-season, Muñoz expressed his excitement at the return of competitive football. The coach explained that the squad had spent sufficient time working on its playing ideas and methodology and was eager to translate that preparation into results when the campaign began.
“It has been a long pre-season, and we are very excited that the league is finally starting. The squad is ready. They have been waiting for a long time to be on the pitch.”
“We have had enough time to set up our game ideas and our methodology. Obviously, on Saturday, we want to put everything on the pitch, especially here at home with our supporters behind us. It will be an exciting day for us.”
Pep Muñoz wary of SC Delhi threat
Bengaluru FC will face a SC Delhi side looking to build on its encouraging performances in the Durand Cup. Muñoz acknowledged that the visitors would present a difficult challenge, pointing to their recent competitive action and the quality within their squad.
The Spaniard stressed the importance of patience and effective game management as Bengaluru look to make their home advantage count.
“Delhi is a really strong opponent, and it will be a tough game. They have the rhythm of the competition after playing two competitions recently. They have some really good foreign and local players.”
“We know it will be a difficult game, so we need to be patient and manage it well. But we play at home; we have confidence in our preparation, and I feel we are ready to compete. We have prepared well and, especially at home with our supporters, we want to start the season in the right way.”
On Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s performance
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu faced considerable scrutiny after being substituted at half-time during India’s international friendly against Brazil. However, Muñoz came to the goalkeeper’s defence, highlighting his early saves against Vinícius Júnior and criticising the tendency to focus exclusively on mistakes shared on social media.
The Bengaluru FC head coach also reaffirmed his faith in the experienced custodian.
“He is the best goalkeeper in the country. Sometimes people take bad actions and post them on social media, and everyone calls it a big, big, big mistake.”
“But no one talks about the first 20 minutes of the game, when he made two saves against Vinícius. He was perfect in the first 20 minutes of a huge game. I’m very happy to have him back.”
Pep Muñoz shares his opinion on the ISL format
The 2026–27 ISL season marks the return of the home-and-away league format, alongside a playoff competition involving the top six teams.
While Muñoz welcomed the return to a more conventional league schedule, he questioned whether the playoff system could create uncertainty over which team should ultimately be considered the champion.
“I prefer the other format home and away, champion, done. But if you finish sixth or you finish on top, you have to show it again in the playoffs.”
“In the end, who is the champion? The champion of the regular season or the champion of the playoffs? But this is just my personal opinion. We will go with what we have.”
Bengaluru FC will now turn their attention to the opening fixture against SC Delhi, with Muñoz hoping his side can translate its pre-season work into a positive result at Kanteerava.
For the Spaniard, the encounter marks the beginning of a full campaign in charge and an opportunity to set the tone for Bengaluru’s ambitions this season.
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