I think Sunil Chhetri will finish career at Bengaluru, hints Naushad Moosa

The interim coach also spoke about the experience he gained by leading the side in the past 11 games.

Bengaluru FC stayed in the bottom half of the table, settling at the seventh position after ending their underwhelming campaign in the Indian Super League with a defeat to Jamshedpur FC. Jamshedpur were a formidable side that came into the game on the back of a win against Mumbai City. The form and confidence from such a side was visible at the end of an emphatic first half, as the hosts settled in comfortably with a three-goal lead. The match progressed to see the Blues kick starting a comeback but failing to salvage a draw. Bengaluru's interim head coach Naushad Moosa spoke during the post-match interaction with the media.

He talked about the talent in the squad and how the experience that he derived as a coach has helped him in every possible manner.

A chance for youngsters

Their final match of the Indian Super League campaign witnessed the tactician employ his young talents and give them a chance to shine. The coach was asked if the game was about giving time to the youngsters rather than focusing on the result. He replied, “Yes, the idea was that. Getting some youngsters, give them some playing time. Things didn’t work out the way we expected. Early three goals and that’s what led to changes in the second half. Then we were there, almost there," quoted Naushad Moosa.

https://youtu.be/6ywzLlxjabk

Captain Dimas Delgado

Moosa explained the reason for Dimas Delgado leading the team. He was asked if the match was the Spaniard’s last one in a Bengaluru FC jersey and he responded, “It is not only that. We need to respect (his position). He had left for home and nobody knew the reason. The reason was that he lost his dad.

"We are not sure if Marco (Pezzaiuoli) will have him, whether he’ll be leading the team in the AFC Cup. Much respect to him as he had the courage to come back and finish the league. Just the thought of that made Sunil (Chhetri) give him the armband.”

Speech of encouragement at half-time

The interim head coach found it necessary that the players have to believe in each other and strive towards success. He was asked about the half-time talk and how it influenced the players to display better football. He answered, “It was important for the two changes and I was sure we will get those goals.

"It was just that I had asked them to keep pressing and we will get the goal. We were almost there as Sunil’s header was saved and there were another two chances. But, again, at half-time it was about believing in everybody and in each other.”

Promising young talents

Newly-appointed head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli was in the stands for the final match and Naushad Moosa was enquired about the performances showcased by the young players in the match as well as in training. The interim coach said, ”The training sessions are being recorded and he is watching all these young talents. He is very impressed by the way the players are performing.

"When (Naorem) Roshan came in, he was spot on and was doing really well. In the first half with the first goal, I think their morale went down. In the second half, they regrouped and were fine. They have talent and it is just that they (should) believe (in) themselves.”

Milestone for Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri scored his milestone 100th goal for the club in their final match of the Indian Super League 2020-21 campaign. Moreover, the fact that his contract is expiring at the end of the season has raised questions regarding his future at the club. Naushad Moosa was asked about this situation and he replied, ”As far as Sunil is concerned, I doubt if he wants to leave Bengaluru FC. I think he will finish with Bengaluru FC. That’s what I can say, because the feeling that he has for the club, it has been seven years and so I guess he will be attached to the club for sure.”

Growth, experience & evolution as the coach

The match against Jamshedpur FC saw Naushad Moosa stepping down as the interim head coach of Bengaluru FC making way for their newly-appointed head coach. He was asked about how the past 11 games have moulded him.

He replied, ”These 11 games have been really a learning moment for me in all aspects, about the players, about the way we play, you know, how the opponents are playing, how they are coming on us and how to handle the situation. It was really nice. These 11 games have really made me grow as a coach, as a human being, how to handle situations. It was a great experience for me and I am sure in years to come it will really help me.”