Carles Cuadrat: We need to work on getting second goal & kill games off

The Blues' head coach spoke ahead of his side's exciting encounter against NorthEast United.

Bengaluru FC head coach Carles Cuadrat did not mince any words in what he expected from the team prior to their clash with high-flying NorthEast United who, like the Blues, are also unbeaten in this campaign so far. 

“I think it's going to be a tactical game. They are well-organized. They are a team that waits for opportunities in the game and does not take that many risks. They wait for the right moment to punish. They are unbeaten in the league and we need to be prepared for this,” he opined.

The Blues are on the back of two clean-sheets against Hyderabad FC and Chennaiyin FC most recently. The Spaniard hailed his side’s consistency in the defensive department but highlighted that they need to get into comfortable situations to see games off. 

“Two clean-sheets. We are showing consistency. We look like an organized team. Little unfortunate against Goa. But it shows that we have a clear plan and a way of playing. The team is showing consistency and a mature way to play,” observed Carles Cuadrat.

“But, we need to work on getting the second goal and kill games off. If we do not get a comfortable lead in the ISL, it will be difficult. Factors like tactics, red cards, injuries can affect us if we do not have this position,” he went on to add. 

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One of the areas of concern is that the Southerners have not scored from open play this season. Their two goals against Goa were from a throw-in and a free-kick, while Sunil Chhetri’s penalty settled the tie against Chennaiyin. The team have recruited Cleiton Silva and Kristian Opseth to help the attacking department, but they have yet to hit the ground running this season. 

“When you are not able to score from open play, we have to use another way in the form of set-pieces. We need to work on getting the final killer pass. The team is working towards creating these chances,” signed off the former Barcelona man.