Bhubaneswar, Dec 2 (UNI) Bengaluru FC suffered a tough 4-2 defeat against Odisha FC in their latest Indian Super League (ISL) encounter at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday night.
The Kalinga Warriors continued their scoring spree, netting ten goals across their last two games as Diego Mauricio’s brace and strikes from Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Isak Vanlalruatfela dismantled Bengaluru FC’s defence in a 4-2 win.
Despite a spirited second-half response, goals from Sunil Chhetri and Edgar Mendez were not enough to rescue The Blues. The home side secured their third consecutive win against Bengaluru FC in the league.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza admitted the need for reflection and improvement.
"First of all, I would say congratulations to Odisha FC. I think that they played their match. They scored ten goals in two games, that's something not easy," he said.
While Zaragoza acknowledged his team’s improved approach after the break, he admitted it was not enough. The Spaniard made four changes at the break bringing in Lalremtlunga Fanai, Sunil Chhetri, Edgar Mendez and Alberto Noguera.
"In the second half, we were more aggressive, not because of the changes. I could change the eleven players and the coach in the first half. But we were more aggressive," he said.
"Before the goal, we had chances to make it 3-1. After the 3-1, we had chances to make it 2-2. I think the only time Odisha FC arrived in the second half inside the box, was another mistake, and we conceded the 4-1. That killed the game," he said.
When asked about the fourth goal, Zaragoza admitted it stemmed from a defensive lapse.
"I think it was a miscommunication. In the first six matches, when we conceded only one goal, our centre-backs, including Aleksandar Jovanovic, Mohamed Salah, and Rahul Bheke, were everywhere. But now, we are in this moment," he said.
Looking ahead Zaragoza emphasised the importance of unity in overcoming their current challenges.
"As I said, it’s a moment to regroup. It’s a moment this week to not blame each other. If the players need to blame someone, they need to blame me. Let’s regroup and prepare for the derby next week," he urged.
Sunil Chhetri’s 52nd-minute strike, his fifth of the season, briefly ignited hope for the visitors. Praising him Zaragoza said, "He’s in very good form. He scored another goal and had this post. He’s too special and too important for us. I hope to continue seeing him inside the pitch."
Bengaluru FC now turns its focus to the much-anticipated Southern Derby against Kerala Blasters FC on December 7th, aiming to bounce back and reignite their campaign.
UNI BM