I'm very happy for the players: Bengaluru FC's Gerard Zaragoza
The Spaniard expressed his views on the match as they overcame Punjab FC to stretch their unbeaten run this season.
Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza expressed his delight as the ten-man Blues battled to a hard-fought victory over Punjab FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday.
Back at their fortress, the Blues started with intent and were rightfully rewarded when left-back Naorem Roshan Singh produced a sublime finish to give them the lead just before half-time.
The momentum shifted in the 58th minute when Chinglensana Singh received a second yellow card, reducing Bengaluru FC to ten men. With the numerical advantage, Punjab FC pushed more players into the opposition half, but the Blues' defence stood firm, securing their fifth consecutive clean sheet and fourth straight home win.
“Credit goes to the players, of course. They played a very good game, a very good game. I'm very happy for them," Zaragoza said in the post-match press conference.
"We started controlling the game. They (Punjab FC) came here with zero losses, they pushed and tried to press us. We were a little bit too eager to play fast, and as a result, we lost a lot of goals. After about the 30th minute when they came (during the water break), we talked a bit about being more calm and patient, to attract them, and then we would have spaces. It worked out like that; finally, we scored the goal," he added.
Three points again. 🔵
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) October 18, 2024
Bengaluru, let's hear it #LouderThanEver! 🩷#WeAreBFC #BFCPFC pic.twitter.com/9OkxfheFgx
Roshan Singh frequently surged forward, and his crucial goal in the 43rd minute clinched all three points for the Blues.
After a challenging season last year, Singh has worked diligently to sharpen his game at both ends of the pitch this season, and this goal will undoubtedly boost his confidence moving forward.
"He (Naorem Roshan Singh) is improving in defence. It is too difficult to attack Roshan. In one-on-one situations, he is very good. Now, he is playing for the national team. He has a lot of confidence, and we are working with him to arrive more (often in the box) because he's helping us as a winger. In the last match against Mumbai City FC, he arrived quite well, and today again, that’s the result of our staff's work," stated the Spaniard.
The Blues extended their lead at the top of the table to four points after playing one more match, while handing Punjab FC their first loss of the season.
The Shers dropped to third place with nine points from four games. However, Zaragoza praised the opposition for their cohesive performance and expressed confidence that they have the potential to secure a spot in the playoffs this season.
"We did well in the first five matches. They (Punjab FC) play as a team. It's too difficult to play against them. I saw them in the Durand Cup. They were much better in all the matches. And they showed us today."
"I don't know where we are going to finish. I don't know where they are going to finish. But I'm sure that they are going to be in the top six for sure," Zaragoza commented.
