We need to defend properly, says Stuart Baxter ahead of facing Bengaluru
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
The Englishman spoke ahead of his side's crucial clash against the Blues.
Odisha FC are up against Bengaluru FC in their next Indian Super League fixture. The match brings forth a good opportunity for Stuart Baxter and Co to find their second victory, given the situation their opponents are going through.
Bengaluru FC are winless in their last six matches, a run of bad results that has derailed their campaign. The outfit is wounded and the time is ripe for the Juggernauts to secure a win against them. Ahead of the game, the head coach was joined by Diego Mauricio during the pre-match media interaction.
Bengaluru FC post Carles Cuadrat
Stuart Baxter was asked to comment on BFC’s performances since the departure of Carles Cuadrat from the head coach position. He responded by saying, “It's always difficult to know how a team is going to react after a coach leaves. I think the coach (Naushad Moosa) has a job on his hands because it's a big club. He’s tackling it well at the moment, but it’s always a problem.”
Possibility of delivering an upset against BFC
Considering BFC's woes, this is a great opportunity for the Juggernauts to pull off a victory. Their tactician touched on this subject by saying, “We have had chances to beat bigger clubs. But to do that against anybody, not just Bengaluru, we have got to make sure we defend properly and take our chances. If we do that with quality, we have shown we can run anybody close.”
Cole Alexander’s leadership
Due to the absence of Steven Taylor, Cole Alexander was handed the captain’s armband and he scored an impressive equaliser as well against HFC. Speaking in praise of the midfielder, Stuart Baxter said, “I think Cole is a leader, whether he wears the armband or not. Steven’s been a good captain for us and if he is fit, he will regain the armband. He (Cole) has a very infectious energy, he leads by example. His quality together with his energy, I think he shows the way.”
Diego Mauricio’s contribution to the team
The Englishman also talked about his star-player, Diego Mauricio and his contribution to the club. He said, “Football is a team sport and there are individuals in that team. I want every individual in our team to feel that he has the right to be himself.”
“Diego is best when he is a part of the team. My job is to get Diego in positions on the field where he is good and to get him in a frame of mind that he feels good in. He is an important and valuable player for us,” the tactician went on to add.
Diego Mauricio on his performances
The Brazilian striker also spoke about his and the team’s performances in the season so far. He said, “For me, I’m very happy. But, to have a good game against Bengaluru is very important. My point is tomorrow for us to win."
He also gave an insight on his experience working under Baxter’s supervision by saying, “I am very happy, the coach is like my father for me. Indian players are like my friends, they play for me all the time."
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