Naushad Moosa lauds Roy Krishna, Manvir Singh ahead of ATKMB game

The BFC interim head coach also revealed that he would not risk playing Ashique Kuruniyan yet.

Bengaluru FC face a tricky test in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Tuesday, when they take on ATK Mohun Bagan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa. The past few weeks have not been easy for Naushad Moosa and his boys, but they managed to keep their playoffs hopes alive with a win against SC East Bengal on February 2.

However, this was followed by a goalless draw against Chennaiyin FC three days later. It is hence important for the Blues to take all three points tomorrow, if they want to further improve their chances of finishing in the top four. Ahead of Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Moosa shared his thoughts with the media.

Performance so far this season

"I won't say we've done enough because we could have done better," the Blues' interim head coach began. "But, yes, the way we've worked and stayed positive, I have seen us doing the best we can. In the last three games, we've scored four goals and we know they're coming in now. We need to put more numbers in the attacking third and hopefully, we can do that tomorrow," he added.

ATK Mohun Bagan

Naushad Moosa revealed that they are aware of how to play against Antonio Habas and Co. on Tuesday. "Positivity is the only way to approach these games," he said, before adding, "We're focusing on ATK Mohun Bagan and we know how we need to play. We will give our best for sure and the environment is positive.

"We've kept two clean-sheets and that's a good thing. But, the way ATKMB have been playing, we know it's going to be a tough game. The boys know how important this game is. It's important not to concede goals, but we know we can score too. We have to stay positive and approach this game.

"It's important that I don't put pressure on the players. The boys need to be relaxed because they know how important the games are. They are aware of the situation. ATK Mohun Bagan have a good strikeforce with Roy Krishna, Manvir Singh, David Williams. We need to be compact and organized. Hopefully, that will get us through in this game as well," he further explained.

Draw against Chennaiyin

Moosa was of the opinion that Bengaluru FC's performance in the first half against Chennaiyin was not up to expectations. "I said the same thing at the post-match. The way we played that first half against Chennaiyin FC was not the way we wanted to play. We started playing better in the second half.

"After the match analysis, the players realized that we need to stay calm and not get desperate during games."

Team News

The 49-year-old also gave some injury updates and news on the players' availability. "Cleiton (Silva) is a doubt for this game because we're waiting on a late fitness update. It's simple though, we have to work with the players we have and try to deliver the result," he said.

When asked about Dimas Delgado's potential return, he answered, "Dimas has returned to the team hotel and is in quarantine. So, we're waiting for him to finish that and then he can join the team for training."

Naushad Moosa concluded the press conference by speaking about Ashique Kuruniyan. The pacy full-back who was a vital cog in the BFC setup fell prey to a facial injury in December and has since been recovering. "He is doing well. He's started training with a mask and he's being careful. He may not be able to join us for this game, but for the next game he may have a chance to be on the bench.

"We don't want to risk playing Ashique because he's an important player for us and for the national team. We're going to make sure he is in the best possible shape before he gets on the field again," the coach signed off.