Bengaluru FC's Gerard Zaragoza delineates three key areas for improvement after Punjab FC victory

Bengaluru FC earned all three points against Punjab.

Gerard Zaragoza-led Bengaluru FC showcased their title-challenging credentials in their 1-0 win against Punjab FC, notching their fourth consecutive home win during the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

The Blues navigated the game well despite being down to 10 men, thanks to a sumptuous 43rd-minute volley strike from Naorem Roshan Singh being the difference on the night.

Controversial red card and adversity fuels the Blues 

Bengaluru FC were put on the back foot in the 58th minute after referee Jamal Mohammed showed Chinglensana Singh a controversial second yellow card bringing them down to 10 men.

Singh had inadvertently elbowed Punjab FC striker Bakenga in an aerial duel, which the referee deemed enough to brandish a second yellow card. Head coach Gerard Zaragoza and his staff quickly strategized contingencies and played out the game professionally. “The players had a very good game. I’m very happy about them. I’m a little bit angry about what happened after the 60th minute.

“A little bit angry. Because it’s unbelievable. As I say always, I think that if they want the league to improve and they have one team to catch the ball, the other team will kick us,” said Gerard Zaragoza

While the Blues had some nervy moments, they showed a lot of character and limited Punjab to resort to only long-range attempts. 

"With ten men, how we fought, that's unbelievable." 💪#WeAreBFC #LouderThanEver #BFCPFC pic.twitter.com/ewXPooiUSE

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) October 19, 2024

Sunil Chettri continues to defy father time for Bengaluru FC 

Gerard Zaragoza reserved special praise for Sunil Chettri following their victory on Friday. The Spaniard was especially impressed by his willingness to play on the right wing. Zaragoza stated, “He’s our style of play. I mean, he can play everywhere that you put him. He will do well, you know?

“The thing is that we attack on the left side with Roshan. And then we need one on the right side. And I don’t want to change Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Edgar Mendez because I thought that they were doing a good job. And then we put Sunil there to have like three strikers when we are on the attack.”

While Chettri was not able to score, he contributed to the team with his work rate both offensively and defensively. At 40 years old, father time seems to be of no concern to Sunil in a Bengaluru FC jersey. 

ALSO READ: Bengaluru FC vs Punjab FC Player Ratings: Roshan, Poojary shine; Chinglensana Singh, Vinit Rai subpar | ISL 2024-25

Tireless Roshan Singh was the difference for Bengaluru

Gerard Zaragoza also reserved special praise for the Blues left-back Naorem Roshan Singh’s performance. While talking about his growth, Gerard Zaragoza added, “Every day he keeps getting better. Every day he gets better.

“He’s in one level now. Top. He’s improving in defence. It’s too difficult to attack Roshan. In one-against-one, he’s very good. And when he’s concentrated like today, and now, you know, why he’s a player who is playing in the national team. He has a lot of confidence.”

Gerard Zaragoza highlighted how the work being put into helping Roshan Singh improve is a result of the efforts of his coaching staff and the team in general. Following back-to-back high-quality performances, the young left-back is slowly becoming the first name on the team sheet this season. 

The Blues and Zaragoza are taking it one game at a time

Bengaluru FC remain unbeaten this season in the ISL and have laid down the marker as real title challengers. Addressing whether Bengaluru was the best team this season, head coach Gerard Zaragoza was quick to temper expectations. “We did well in the first five matches. It’s 24 matches in total. Five matches are nothing at this early stage of the season,” Gerard Zaragoza concluded.

Despite Zaragoza pouring cold water on their hot start, the West Block Blues are surely in for a promising ISL season. 

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