We know how to play under pressure, asserts Gerard Zaragoza

Zaragoza also discussed his plans for improving their performance in away games and securing a spot in the top six.

Bengaluru FC and FC Goa are preparing for a crucial encounter in the upcoming matchup of the Indian Super League (ISL) that is of vital significance to both clubs. After a convincing win against Kerala Blasters in their previous home match, Bengaluru FC aims to maintain their winning streak in their upcoming game. FC Goa on the other hand has experienced a decline in form, after a promising start to the season, managing just one win in their previous five matches.

Bengaluru FC is currently placed eighth in the league standings and is focused on moving up to secure a playoff spot while the Gaurs on the other side have already secured their place in the playoffs and currently sit comfortably in the fourth position in the points table.

Bengaluru FC head coach, Gerard Zaragoza and Javi Hernandez addressed the media in the pre-match press conference ahead of their travel to Goa.

Let’s look at excerpts from the media conference.

Thoughts on the opposition

Regarding the upcoming clash with the Gaurs, Zaragoza acknowledged the quality of the opposition but remained focused on his team’s performance. He praised FC Goa’s talents and their style of play, indicating that Bengaluru FC would need to be at their best to secure a positive result. Zaragoza said, “They are a very good team. They have very good individualities. Yesterday, they could win easily the game with a lot of goals. Sometimes this happens. But I think they played nice football. Manolo is an experienced man. Yesterday he was not talking so well to his team. I’m sure that is his plan.”

Zaragoza further added, “I want to make a revolution in the team, on their minds and I think they will play against us a really good game. They played nice football against East Bengal and they played well in the first half against Kerala. We don’t need to think about how they are now because we are also not at this moment in these six positions. And I think it will be a very nice game between two good teams.”

Reflections on the team’s progression

Zaragoza highlighted that it took time for the players to understand his approach since he joined the team two months ago. He emphasized the club’s ability to perform under pressure and adapt to his tactics. “First of all, now it’s more or less my second month here. In January we were in the Super Cup, and we were with young players because most of them were not here. Now is the moment that the players start to understand what I want from them. And also, of course, the kind of bigger club that we are,” explained Bengaluru Boss.

Zaragoza also added saying, “We know how to play under pressure and we show every match. I think that we are changing our mood outside, away from home. We did a really good game against Jamshedpur but the players were tired after three games in a row in one week, but we did a really good game. Now is the moment. As I say to the players, if we want to be in the playoffs, we need to win at least one match away from home. If not, we don’t deserve to be in the play-off.”

Thoughts on a ready squad

The Bengaluru FC boss mentioned the importance of having a fully fit squad and expressed satisfaction with having a complete team at his disposal for the first time since his arrival. The manager said, “I’m happy. I arrived here I think 10th of December, now March and it’s the first time that I had my team ready, a full team ready to play. That’s perfect for me. Of course, now we have six foreigners, we need to decide who plays and who doesn’t.”

The Bengaluru FC manager, Gerard Zaragoza further exclaimed, “But the reality is that we are now like a family, all together, and all people understand which is the role now and all eyes are looking only one objective and that’s perfect for a coach.”

Javi’s thoughts on young Shivaldo Singh

Javi Hernandez discussed the team’s chemistry, highlighting the contribution of both experienced players and young talents like Shivaldo. When asked about his young teammate the midfield maestro said, “For me, he is a great player, great player. He is good in attack and good in defense. He can play in many positions, so if he keeps like this, he will be a great player for India.”

On the other hand, the Bengaluru FC coach had an alternate view on this. When asked about Shivaldo Singh the coach addressed by saying, “Now, if we say good things, I will say bad. The reality is that he needs to improve a lot. When I arrived here, they told me that he was a right back. I think that he needs to improve a lot of things in defense as well as in attack. He is in a good way.”

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