Marco Pezzaiuoli praises team effort in backdrop of COVID

The Blues managed to keep FC Goa at bay with a resilient display.

Bengaluru FC put in an impressive shift in all departments, as they drew 1-1 with FC Goa in the Indian Super League 2021/22 on Sunday. Dylan Fox capitalized on a defensive lapse from a set-piece, as he nodded in Goa’s opener on the brink of half-time. Bengaluru FC threatened momentarily, as captain Sunil Chhetri came up with an exquisite header to get them level in the 61st minute. With 30 minutes to go, the Blues engaged in a gritty contest with the Gaurs, as the match ended in a stalemate. Bengaluru FC coach Marco Pezzaiuoli was disappointed as he explained how his team deserved a win  in the  post-match conference: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGhcmPHybWY

Whether this was a fair result for Bengaluru?

Bengaluru’s tireless efforts in attack almost saw them snatch a winner with Chhetri’s crossbar-rattling shot in the second half. Marco Pezzaiuoli expressed how he thought his team were the better of the two and should have gotten the win. 

“I don't think so. When we see the chances (that) we had, we deserved to win. We hit the bar, we had the Cleiton (Silva) chance (in the) first half. Also, Iman (Basafa) had a lot of chances, but we didn't win,” said the German coach.

On Sunil Chhetri’s impact & influence on team’s mentality

Sunil Chhetri started the game for Bengaluru and scored a peach of a goal to get the Blues level. The 37-year-old once again proved to be an indispensable asset to the team, as he almost snatched his second to become the all-time highest ISL goalscorer. Marco Pezzaiuoli was happy with his display, but stressed that the team comes before the individual. 

“I decided to put him inside because I had the feeling he would score. It’s nice he scored, but again it’s not about Sunil Chhetri. I’m happy for him (because) he scored. He himself will be happy too. But, I think it also was an important goal for the team. I think it’s a key point. You can score also the second chance, but it whistled over the bar. Had a possibility to score, but in the end every time, it’s about the team,” explained the head coach.

Why Iman was subbed off for Suresh at half-time

Midfielder Basafa didn’t have the best of outings, as he could not convert his attempts and got a yellow card in the first half. He was taken off after the break for Suresh Singh and the head coach justified his decision.  

“After 30 minutes he played well, in the beginning. I think he didn’t create any chances in the beginning, in the first half. Then we lost control in central midfield. Iman had a good game, but he also got a yellow card, an unnecessary yellow card. Afterward, he committed three fouls. Also, I was not really happy with his positioning in set-pieces because he was out of position and gave away a goal. But, the main reason was the risk of getting to play with 10 men because it was important for this game,” Marco Pezzaiuoli asserted.

On how unbeaten streak can be converted into winning run

Bengaluru have played out four draws and two wins in their last six games in the ISL. Pezzaiuoli gave us his thoughts on how the team can convert their draws into wins. 

“After our last game against Mumbai, I think we need to be realistic. We stayed 10 days in the (hotel) room(s), two training sessions and five players on the bench, who were out of the team in the afternoon at 3’o clock. I think we need to be really happy with how they played and how much effort they put in to win this game. We saw some players with tired legs, but they tried to continue, also tried to play football. I think in the end we deserved to win, it’s clear,” concluded the coach.

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