Javier Gurri Lopez: Nikhil Poojary is a very smart player

The Hyderabad FC interim head coach also congratulated Bengaluru F

Hyderabad FC continued their poor run of form as they were defeated by Bengaluru FC on Thursday night at the Kanteerava Stadium. Following the defeat, Hyderabad FC's interim head coach Javier Gurri Lopez interacted with the media in the post-match press conference.

A solitary goal from Nishu Kumar within the first ten minutes was enough for the hosts to bag all three points from the game. However, the visitors wasted a chance to restore parity from the spot, as Marko Stankovic's penalty was saved by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

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Speaking after the match in the post-match press conference, Hyderabad FC's interim coach Javier Gurri Lopez assessed the entire game and revealed his satisfaction. "I want to congratulate Bengaluru for the victory, they are having a great season. Secondly, I am really proud of my team, as it is not easy to come here and play in Bengaluru in this stadium," he said.

"In the first half, we played very good football, we controlled a lot of the ball and our attacking play was very good. In the second half, we lost control of the game and Bengaluru had 2-3 clear chances. I think we should receive a penalty, but I am really really proud of my team," he added.

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Marko Stankovic was made to wait for a long time before he could take the spot-kick, as the opposition players protested the referee's penalty decision. When quizzed about the situation, Javier Gurri Lopez did not shy away from making some fiery statements.

Thoughts On Penalty Decision

"I think this is only possible in the Indian Super League, with respect to everyone here in the league. It has been 3-5 minutes the referee made us wait before taking the shot. It is not good for the shooter. At that moment, the referee needs to give more respect to the players and also to the bench of Bengaluru, as they kept protesting," Javier Gurri Lopez opined.

"Yes, my players were also involved and we did put a lot of pressure on Marko. It was a clear penalty for me. It does not matter that he lost the penalty and we failed to take our chance," the Hyderabad FC boss further went on to say.

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Javier Gurri Lopez praised Hyderabad FC's India international winger Nikhil Poojary and his performance on the night.

"Poojary is a very smart player. I told him in training that he can play in all the positions other than goalkeeper. His attitude is always positive and he played as a winger. He was very good in one against one in the first half.

He understands the game to move inside to play two against one with (Ashish) Rai. In the second half, we tried to play only three defenders and he was a little tired, but he had a great game," Javier Gurri Lopez concluded.