Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza praises hardworking players despite Odisha FC loss

Bengaluru FC lost only their second home game of the season after going down to 10 men.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza expressed frustration and pride in equal measure following his team’s 2-3 loss to Odisha FC in matchweek 18 of ISL. Despite a valiant effort after going down to ten men for most of the game, the Blues were left to rue defensive mistakes and missed chances early in the game.

The Spaniard expressed his displeasure over contentious refereeing decisions that cost them vital points at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The loss marked only the second time the Blues have failed to record any point at their fortress.

Gerard Zaragoza laments the Blues’ defensive errors

The Spaniard believes for the first 20 minutes the Blues played really well and described it as “the best football of the season”. Despite dominating possession and scoring two early goals, the Blues gave it all away after Aleksandar Jovanovic was given his marching orders in the 26th minute.

While talking about the game, Zaragoza stated, “We could have even scored the third goal. We had everything under control, we put them on the pitch, we put them on the game. I mean, it’s a game to win well, to win well. We made one silly mistake, but now I watch the image and the striker is taking first the shirt of Jovanovic. Then, yes, he’s shooting, but he’s not even in the middle of the goal.”

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Did refereeing errors cost the Blues again?

Zaragoza also did not hold back in criticizing the officiating, claiming that the penalty decision and the subsequent awarding of the red card was harsh against his team. Additionally the Blues head coach also lamented a linesman’s error in calling an offside when the ball came off an opponent.

Refereeing has been a concern for a number of clubs in the league this season, however the Blues have paid the price time and again. After going down to 10 men against Odisha, Bengaluru struggled to contain the opposition’s attacking play and conceded two goals.

The Blues head coach heaped praise on his players

The Spaniard praised his players for their effort despite the numerical disadvantage, noting how the schedule hasn’t been kind to the Blues.

While talking about his players, he stated, “I think that the players gave everything. We finished the game trying to score a goal. But, it’s what it is. It’s what it is. We have zero points. It’s what it is. Continuous working. As I said, the players cried this night. But tomorrow we have one match in front of us. I want to push hard and I want to win that match.”

No clean sheet in 12 games

The loss extends Bengaluru’s rough patch in recent weeks. It’s been a fall from grace for the Blues after their solid start to the season, a period where they recorded multiple clean sheets. The Spaniard acknowledged that defensive lapses have plagued the team recently and made keeping clean sheets, a rare occurrence.

While talking about the defensive lapses, Zaragoza stated, “The day that this team will stop the silly mistakes, no one will stop us. Believe me, no one. But we need to stop these mistakes. We have here national team players. I don’t think that I need to explain to them that inside the box they need to put their hands behind.”

Despite the setback, Zaragoza remains optimistic about the future. He praised the unwavering support of the Kanteerava faithful, urging them to continue backing the team. The Spaniard also shared his belief that a positive result in the next game can be a catalyst for his team to make a concrete push towards the ISL playoffs.

With the Blues preparing to travel to Kolkata, they will be facing league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant within four days. As the Blues continue to believe that the fight isn’t over, an unlikely result against the league leaders will be a huge boost for a side looking for silverware this season.

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