Marco Pezzaiuoli commends team effort after dominant win

The Blues haven't lost in their last five games.

Bengaluru FC picked up an impressive 3-0 victory over defending champions Mumbai City at the Fatorda Stadium. With that, they move up to seventh in the standings — a much-needed push. Speaking of the events, the goalscoring began with a solid strike from Danish Farooq in the eighth minute, which gave the Blues an early lead. Prince Ibara then sealed the win with two identical goals in the 23rd and first-half injury time. Naorem Roshan Singh assisted both and was the best player for Bengaluru in the match. After this stunning victory, head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli spoke at the post-match press conference:

Takeaways from result

Bengaluru FC finally looked the part against Mumbai City. They had produced a similar performance in the first half against the defending champions in the reverse fixture. Pezzaiuoli was delighted with the performance, but suggested his team should have scored more goals.

"First of all, compliments to the team. Some very good work and I think we deserved to score some more goals. Especially in the first half, as we had a lot of chances before half-time to go 4-5 goals in front. We also had a clean-sheet which was nice.

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"Also, the other important thing is our high pressing and high-intensity game throughout 90 minutes. We knew this before; that the opponent would do the same and that's why, as I said, it was a highly intensive game. I also compliment my staff for the third goal -- as they analyze set-pieces really well. That's how we scored from it."

Playoffs Chances

With the win, BFC are now just four points away from the top of the table — in what's turning out to be one of the most competitive ISL seasons ever. On this note, the tactician was asked if this was the right time to regain playoffs hopes.

For this, he answered, "We played well. We didn't have points in the beginning. But, the important part is the next game we have against ATK, which is again a difficult game. It's the same -- a high pressing team. They have a new coach and a new style. Let's enjoy tonight, recover good and face ATK Mohun Bagan. I don't think about what's in the future. The next game is always the important one," said Marco Pezzaiuoli emphasizing his focus on the present over the distant future.

On Prince Ibara's contribution

Further, the 53-year-old was asked about Prince Ibara's performance tonight as the Congolese striker scored a brace, after a drought for the last few games. As a result, he was questioned on how he felt for backing the man despite it and to share his thoughts on such a comeback.

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He replied, "For me, who scores isn't important. I don't care in the end because we have a plan against the ball and it's to play and do with high intensity and speed. He is doing it every time. He was unlucky in the last 2-3 games, but he invests a lot which is important for the team. Everybody who's in the team, in the squad and also those who weren't in the squad -- when they come on they give a high intensity game. Prince also did it for as long as he could," he noted emphasizing his focus on overall results over individual performances.

Thoughts on Naorem Roshan Singh's performance

Lastly, Marco Pezzaiuoli was asked to share a few words on Naorem Roshan Singh's performance, for the 22-year-old was simply phenomenal — assisting two goals and creating the most number of chances in the game (6).

Delighted with the same, he stated, "He's a player who can play with both feet. We knew this from the pre-season already. That's why I have two options and I decided to have Ashique (Kuruniyan) in the back for power from behind. Also, it's because I wanted one striker more to play more offensive football. That's why we had three strikers right from the beginning and two wing-backs who can push forward with high intensity. This is good for the team and it was also very important for the team."

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