Current Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 table-toppers Bengaluru FC take on FC Pune City at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune on Thursday in search of their fourth win of the season. After succumbing to their first Hero ISL defeat against FC Goa, the Blues came back strongly against NorthEast United FC in their previous encounter to get their debut Hero ISL campaign back on track.

Pune City have one of the best-attacking units this season, which has combined brilliantly to unlock opponent defences. In the pre-match press conference, Bengaluru’s head coach Albert Roca was asked how his team is gearing up to thwart Pune’s attacking threats. “We have watched a lot of their (Emiliano Alfaro and Marcelinho) videos to understand how to stop them. We are ready for that even though we had a short time to prepare for the game. We also have enough to put them in trouble. The one who makes an error can cost a lot,” Roca said.

He further added, “We know how difficult it is to stop these kind of players, but at the same time we also scored a lot of goals and hope to be at the same level tomorrow. I expect a tough game. Pune has shown that they are more or less at the same level. It’s going to be difficult. Pune have enough experience to put us in trouble.”

Bengaluru have a good crop of Indian players in their squad and when asked how he evaluates them, the Spaniard said, “I am happy with their attitude. I know they can make errors but also they can learn. All foreigners are at a very good level. I know what they give to the Indian players. It’s also something to see how important the collaboration is. It’s just not one side. Some Indian players like Sunil (Chhetri) can also play in other places. Those that are younger, they will always take advantage of this.”

The 55-year old also shared his insights on why he thinks luck plays a factor in football. “Well, there is always some luck. Sometimes you play better than the other team and you don’t score and one mistake and things can change completely. Luck is important in football. We have to find more luck than others. We are trying to reduce the luck of the other teams and increase our possibilities,” he concluded.