Bengaluru FC head coach Simon Grayson suggested that their performances in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season have been better than their results as they take on Hyderabad FC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday.

The Blues have won just one of their first five games this season and have lost on all their travels so far.

Grayson’s side relinquished a two-goal lead to lose to Odisha FC in their previous match but the head coach believes there are plenty of positives to come out of their performances so far.

“We can't get away from the fact that we haven't had the best results, but the performances haven't been too bad. If we cut out the individual mistakes we've made, the results are going to be a lot more positive,” Grayson said at the pre-match press conference.

“As a coach, I have to analyse the bigger picture of it all. Sometimes in defeat, there are positives and you look forward to the next game. If you lose, but play poorly you've got to think a lot harder. There were so many positives the other night,” he added referring to the 2-3 reverse against Odisha FC.

Grayson referred to their bad start last season when they won just three out of their first 12 games before going on an incredible run to qualify for the playoffs as he highlighted the team being in a similar position with injuries.

“I think as a coach, it's my job to relay to the players and especially those who were here last year that we need to stick together,” he said.

“Last year we were in a similar situation, where we lost players to injuries, suspensions, but that's why you have a squad. We've brought some new players in, but Bengaluru FC also wants to bring players in from the B Team and the Academy,” he added.

“We have to manage certain situations in games, when we're under pressure or in key moments, some of the younger players have to learn that and some of the senior players need to pass on that experience,” Grayson continued.

The Blues lost both games against Hyderabad FC last season but the Yellow and Blacks are yet to register a win this campaign. Grayson though refused to dwell too much on their results so far this season and expects a tough game.

“When you look at Hyderabad, they've been at the other end of the table and a very difficult team to play in recent seasons. There's been a big change at the club, but they've proved in their most recent game that they have quality,” the Englishman said.

“We will not be disrespectful of any team in the League. Our preparation will be thorough, as it has been for all the games this season. It's another tough game, but if we perform well, there's no reason we can't bring back three points,” he added

Happy to return to Hyderabad: Halicharan Narzary

Halicharan Narzary will return to Hyderabad to face his former team with whom he spent three seasons with and also won the ISL Cup in 2021-22.

However, the winger is focused on helping his new team Bengaluru FC win the match and help them climb up the table.

“I’m really happy to return to Hyderabad, but I’m not going there for a personal feeling or anything of that sort. I want to win this game. I want to go there and do my best to contribute to bringing back three points,” Narzary said at the pre-match press conference.

The 29-year-old believes the Blues have a strong squad and are capable of winning matches consistently in the ISL.

“I've played two games, I think the squad is great and the confidence is high, even though we lost the last game. We played well, as the coach said, and we are expecting to go on and win the next game,” he said.

“The players have been speaking to each other about the next game, because we want to go into the break with a win and we'll do our best against Hyderabad,” added Narzary

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Bengaluru FC2023-2024 Halicharan Narzary