Playing ISL and AFC Cup simultaneously is difficult, admits Albert Roca
Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca has stated that playing in the Indian Super League and AFC Cup simultaneously is difficult but also praised his players for handling it brilliantly. He also revealed that defender Harman jot Khabra will continue to miss the AFC Cup playoff game with a personal issue.
Bengaluru FC
However, amidst the flourishing results, coach Roca has admitted that it has been difficult for him to juggle calendar for such tough competitions simultaneously, although his players have dealt with it well.
āPlaying two competitions at the same time can be difficult but when I saw the faces of the boys today at training, they seem to be handling the calendar really well,ā the Spanish coach said, reported Scroll.
Despite being in a safer position to advance in the next AFC Cup round, Roca has stated that the second leg of the tie, which takes place on Friday, to be one of the toughest games of the season. He also abstained from revealing his squad selection and rotation ahead of the game.
āTomorrow will be one of the toughest games we will play through this season. We need to focus on doing our jobā¦ Iām not going to talk about changing squads and the group stages because I have a lot of respect for my opponents. Maybe I can talk about this in two days,ā said Roca.
Of course, the breathless schedule was bound to take a toll in the squad and their first choice defender Harmanjot Khabra was seen being taken off in the first leg. Khabra will continue to miss the second leg.
āKhabra has a personal issue and will not be available for tomorrow. I am confident everything will be alright with him soon and he will return to training,ā said Roca.
