Bengaluru FC Head Coach Pep Munoz shares important squad update before the Jamshedpur FC fixture

The gaffer stated that Ashique Kuriniyan and Nikhil Poojary will remain unavailable for the fixture

Bengaluru FC are all set to face Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, on Saturday, 09th May 2026, in their next Indian Super League (ISL) fixture that is crucial for both sides as they look to finish the season strongly

For Bengaluru FC, this fixture carries significant importance as they intend to build a good momentum in the final phase of the season. Currently positioned seventh in the table, every point becomes crucial in the final phase of the league, especially after 2 consecutive draws.

Facing a Jamshedpur FC side that has been among the strongest teams this season, Bengaluru FC are set for a far more demanding challenge. Jamshedpur FC have shown consistency throughout the campaign and remain particularly difficult to beat at the Furnace, where their intensity and home support often make the difference. For Bengaluru FC, securing a positive result in such conditions would not only strengthen their position in the table but also serve as a significant statement against one of the league’s most in-form sides.

The Head coach Pep Munoz spoke to the media at the Pre-match Press Conference ahead of the fixture against Jamshedpur FC

On how much things have changed after his arrival

Having taken charge midway through the season following the departure of Renedy Singh, Pep Muñoz spoke about the changes and improvements he believes the team has made under his leadership.

“The team is progressing well, in what we want to do on the pitch: possession, finding spaces, being patient; it is a process. Before I arrived, they trained in a different style; now the progression is there, and guys are playing with more intention. We have to be better in both boxes. We are improving the mechanics of pressing, but we must be more effective in defending the box and the sides, and more aggressive in finishing accurately in attack.”

Thoughts on the teams performance so far

Reflecting on Bengaluru FC’s campaign so far, the head coach addressed the team’s performances, challenges, and the areas where he believes the side still needs to improve heading into the final phase of the season.

“We want to win, but I’d be more worried if we did not create chances. We go deeper in our analysis than just surface-level stats; we are close to what we want, but we need to be more clinical with the chances we create.”

“To win or lose involves different factors, but what is in our hands is what we are trying to build. I have come here with a long-term vision. The players are closer every day to what I want to see. The team is progressing well; we need to trust the process.”

On facing a strong team like Jamshedpur FC

Speaking ahead of the upcoming clash against Jamshedpur FC, Pep Muñoz acknowledged the challenge of facing one of the league’s strongest and most consistent sides this season, particularly at the Furnace

“We are always working on strengthening the squad for next season. Before I signed here, I wanted to know if we could build a competitive team, and we have been working on that for a few weeks. We will be ready.”

“We are doing better things every week. Every game is different. We may change structure, but the ideology remains the same. We want to build up from the goalkeeper, have that extra player, and be brave; these are things the team was not doing earlier, and they are adapting now. In football, you have to keep improving every day.”

Team News and Injury updates

Providing an update on squad availability ahead of the fixture, Bengaluru FC head coach Pep Muñoz confirmed that the side will be without key players due to injury.

Nikhil and Ashique are still out.

Nikhil has a hamstring injury, and his recovery period is at least 10 days. Ashique will be out for more than a month. We are missing two important players, but we will join the game with a good 11.

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