Lost game in first half, says Marco Pezzaiuoli after HFC defeat

This is the Blues' first loss in ten games.

Friday marked the end of Marco Pezzaiuoli and Bengaluru FC's nine-match unbeaten run, as they lost 1-2 to Hyderabad FC. Two first half goals from Javier Siverio (16') and Joao Victor (30') saw the Nizams take home all three points. With this, they also extended their lead at the top of the Indian Super League (ISL) standings, as they now have 29 points overall. After the game, Bengaluru FC head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli spoke at the post-match press conference:

Assessment of the game

First up, assessing the reasons for his team's first loss in 10 games, he stated, "What's important is why we lost. We need to recognize why we lost. I think in the first half we forgot why we came here. I think the best description was the second goal -- we conceded and we slept. I think that's also what happened in the first half. We missed the base of football in this game. Especially in the first half, winning duels, making efforts in your positions and creating chances -- which we didn't do in the first half.

"But, in the second half, we did very well. It was not enough, but we created one nice chance and also scored one nice goal. We also created nice chances, but not in 100% focus and concentration. The ball came a lot into the box, but not to the right man; sometimes to the goalkeeper and sometimes to the defender. We lost the game in the first half."

Thoughts on second half

Next, the 53-year-old shared his thoughts on the team's second half performance. He expressed, "As I mentioned before, the second half was good. I think we dominated the game. Hyderabad had some chances, but when you open like we did in the second half by overloading almost six offensive players, that was good.

"Also, the combination was good, as we bought the ball inside the box. But, only the finishing was missing. I'm happy with the second half -- winning duels and playing football. We've to analyze why we came to the top four and that's why we need to start again in the next game, which is also a tough one against Odisha."

Issues noticed

After this, addressing some key issues that he noticed in the game, Marco Pezzaiouli opined, "We lost focus in the first half. As I mentioned before, we slept in the free-kick and we didn't win duels. Prince Ibara tried (to score) from a cross, while lagging behind.

"We were not focused and concentrated. That's why I think we didn't create a lot of chances in the first half. But, in the second half, I think the team tried to make it better. If we had played like that from the beginning, I think we wouldn't have lost."

Marco Pezzaiouli states the perception of this loss

Further, the tactician was asked about his perception of this loss and whether he saw it only as a blip in the way. He answered, "We were on a wave (streak), but losing a game also happens sometimes. Now, what's important is analyzing fast, putting it (this game) to the side and getting back to the base.

"Then we'll be prepared for Odisha because we want to be in the top four like a few other teams. We cannot stay for a long time crying and instead need to analyze directly as to why it happened and then look forward. That's very important."

On Yaya Banana's debut performance

Confidently responding to a question on Yaya Banana's cameo debut performance tonight, Marco Pezzaiuoli replied, "It was a short performance, but you can see his experience and how calm he is on the ball.

"I thought of bringing a tall player for set-pieces, but we didn't have any after he came on. But, it was okay -- for the first game and for a few minutes, that too after only two days of training."

Thoughts on Sunil Chhetri's 50th ISL goal

Finally, Marco Pezzaiuoli concluded the press conference with a tribute to skipper Sunil Chhetri, who became the first player to reach the 50-goal mark in the ISL. He expressed, "Congratulations to him. It shows his personality, quality and why he is there.

'He's not only a top scorer, but a person who wants to win everything. That is why he became a big star and we wish he scores more goals and more success in the future. He's not finished right now."

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