Marco Pezzaiuoli thinks scoring first will be key against Mumbai City

The Blues have won, drawn and lost one each in their three matches in the Indian top-flight league so far.

Bengaluru FC will lock horns with defending champions Mumbai City FC on November 4 (Saturday) in the ongoing ISL season. In their three games so far, the Blues had a mixed set of results — with one win, a loss and a draw. Apart from this, Marco Pezzaiuoli's side also had to make rotations in certain positions due to injuries and experimental reasons just as others during the season's early stages. Along with the transitional phase that they're in, this means a tough challenge awaits against the Islanders, who are in red-hot form with nine goals so far and a 5-1 victory in their most recent game.

Nonetheless, it should be an interesting game to watch. Ahead of the match, Bengaluru FC head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli spoke at the pre-match press conference.

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On his team's morale

As mentioned, they have had a mixed Indian Super League (ISL) campaign so far. Pezzaiouli began with speaking about the team's morale and their mood in the camp.

"The morale in the team is good, we've analysed our game against Kerala (Blasters) and thought we deserved to win. We want to develop now. The team was a bit disappointed because we scored late and then conceded too. We need to work on this aspect," he emphasised.

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On facing Mumbai City FC

The tactician shared his thoughts on facing Mumbai City — their biggest challenge in the league till now. "We're playing against the champions, which is highly motivating. Everybody wants to beat the champions. Mumbai have a good squad, they have wingers, who press high. They create good chances and make things difficult for the opponents. We have to be tough on the duels, but we also need to play good football.

"When they win the ball, Mumbai are very fast in the transition and we need to be aware of that," said Pezzaiuoli, particularly referring to the match against ATK Mohun Bagan and their attacking capabilities in Igor Angulo, Cassinho and the likes.

The 53-year-old also spoke about the importance of scoring the opener against a side like the Islanders. "We need to show more intensity in winning the ball. Against Mumbai City, it will be important. The first goal is important, and you feel better to score the first one. But also like we saw, it's important to hold on to that lead, which we couldn't against Kerala," he concluded.

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