Bengaluru FC travel to the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday to take on defending champions ATK in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18. The Blues are strong contenders to make the playoffs and have won four of their last five matches, including the last two. A win would consolidate their position at the top of the table and also complete a double over the two-time champions.

Albert Roca, head coach of the league debutants, addressed the media prior to the clash at Kolkata. Referring to the unpredictability of outcomes in the league, the Spaniard said that he expected a tough competition from a struggling ATK side. “Only a few days ago we were in Delhi, and we lost the game,” he said. “But it’s good we got the three points in the next two games. So, there is nothing called an easy game. ATK still have some possibility to make the semifinals and I’m sure they will fight for the win to show that they can be there. So, we have to be alert. It would be a hard game.”

Bengaluru won the Hero I-League in their debut season and have a strong chance of repeating a similar feat in the Hero ISL. Roca, however, pointed out that the two competitions were different, as was his team set-up post the pre-season draft. “The (Hero) I-League and (Hero) ISL are different competitions,” he inferred. “Maybe the ISL is tougher than the I-League, which we played last year. As you know, there was a draft where we lost some of our important players. But everybody had the intention to make a good team. I am happy with the squad I have now.”

He further added, “The squad is getting better and I would love them to be at the same level till the end of the season, so that we can achieve the first objective of being in the top-four. We just have to keep working as we are doing. Let’s see if we are able to win tomorrow and get closer to our objective.”

The 55-year-old then explained the importance of striking the right balance, something he believes his team is yet to find. “It is important to score goals, but it is also important to keep a balance,” Roca said. “A clean sheet is something a team always wants because it gets you closer to winning a game. But I have to find a right balance. We have not won three games in a row in the entire season, so it means that we have to push more and work. And the mentality also has to be high, as we are close to the end of the season.”

“But we have not found that balance,” he continued. “We have played some good games, but we have also played some very bad games. So, we have not been consistent and the team is working on that. Tomorrow’s game is a challenge for us to prove that we can win three games in a row.”

Before concluding, Bengaluru’s gaffer updated the media on the injury concerns in his team. “We have injuries,” he revealed. “Unfortunately, Braulio (Nobrega) had an injury a few days ago and is probably out of the competition. Then, Dimas (Delgado) is coming from an injury. Tomorrow, he will probably be on the bench. We are not sure about using him as he is an important player for us. We will decide tonight.”