Bengaluru FC registered their first win of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 after beating southern rivals Chennaiyin FC by a 3-0 margin. The returning Erik Paartalu and captain Sunil Chhetri found the back of the net in the first-half before substitute Semboi Haokip sealed the game for the home side in the second half.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Bengaluru head coach Carles Cuadrat was happy that his team was able to convert their chances into goals. “We played as the team which was going for the victory from the first minute. So, I’m very happy with the boys and with the score. It was a magical night in Kanteerava. I’m very happy for everybody who loves Bengaluru.”

Erik Paartalu played his first game this Hero ISL season and found himself on the score sheet within 14 minutes. When asked whether Paartalu was the missing component his side was lacking thus far this season, the gaffer said, “Paartalu is an impactful player because of his attitude and his heading ability. I’m very happy he scored on his return because he is a very hard worker. He has not played for almost nine months because of his injury last season, so it’s great that he is with us again.”

Before the game against Chennaiyin, Bengaluru had only scored one goal this campaign. Speaking about what might have changed, he said, “Its more about the dynamic of the team. We had to break the goal drought and we did. Even Chennaiyin are goalless this season. They had some chances and some day they will score. This happens in every league. Every game is different. Because of the opponent we make a different plan for the game. Until now, if you pay attention to the details, we were quite different in the four games. So, that’s what we have to keep in mind because the next game (against Kerala Blasters) is a tough one. They always come here and put us in trouble so let’s see what we do.”

“It was not a perfect performance for sure. We are still starting the season. it was the first game for Erik as well as the first game that we played with three attackers from India because Manu (Manuel Onwu) had a little problem. So, we have to work and try to give our best. We must improve no question about that,” he added.

The Bengaluru boss has used Ashique Kuruniyan in different positions this season. When asked about playing him as a winger against Chennaiyin, he said, “I told from the first day that I would use Ashique Kuruniyan in different positions. This is one thing about my team… I can put my players in different positions. I’ve done this with Sunil (Chhetri), (Harmanjot Singh) Khabra, (Rahul) Bheke. It’s great to have a lot of Indian players with tactical knowledge and playing in different positions. It’s a good thing for me.”

Read the Match Report here.