Bengaluru FC Coach Carles Cuadrat seeks competitive mentality from players

ByPress Release,SportsCafe Editor

09/20/2018

Carles Cuadrat has admitted that although Bengaluru FC have signed some exciting players this transfers season, the team will have to adjust to the players' tactics slightly in order to welcome them before they could start the campaign in a full-fledged manner.

Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC coach Carles Cuadrat outlined the need for the club to maintain the high standards they have set in the last five years as they gear up for their season opener against Chennaiyin FC while speaking to the media during the Indian Super League Media Day at the JW Marriot Hotel in Bengaluru on Thursday.

“The most important thing for us at Bengaluru is that we have to keep our mentality intact. We want to win trophies like we have in the past seasons, and we also want to reach the final stages of competitions. The club has always been competitive and when you reach that stage, it’s just about the last few games which decide whether you become champions or not,” said Cuadrat when talking about the challenge of leading Bengaluru.

“Last season we had an amazing league phase in the ISL which brought us to the big final. We fell short there, but went on to win the Super Cup. Similarly, the club had lost a league title at home a few years back in the last few moments. What makes the club and the supporters stronger is the desire to reach and stay at that level and that is something we work very hard on,” added Cuadrat.

Speaking on the new signings that will take the field in the ISL, he said, “It will be strange for our supporters to see some of our players in other jerseys. We understand that, and it happens all over the world. But we have made some exciting signings this season. They will adapt to the team and to be honest, the team will slightly adjust its tactics to welcome them as well. I'm really looking forward to seeing them play.”

Bengaluru custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu played down the hype surrounding the Blues’ opener against Chennaiyin FC while highlighting the importance of putting on a good performance in front of the home fans. “We have to begin the season against someone, and if that someone is Chennaiyin, so be it. What's important is that we go out there each time and put on a good performance. What matters is not who the opposition is, but that we focus on what we can do well. Every season is an opportunity to do one better, not just as a team but as an individual as well, so I'm just looking to contribute to the club in this campaign.”

Playmaker Dimas Delgado who has been out of competitive action since last season’s ISL final, made his comeback during the pre-season in Spain. However, having picked up another injury, the Spaniard was further ruled out of the Blues’ AFC Cup knockout campaign. Fit and eager to play, Dimas feels the adrenaline rush and is excited for the new signings.

“It feels really good to be back in shape. I have been working for a long time to get back from the injury I suffered against Chennaiyin in March. I wanted to play in the AFC Cup, but couldn't. Now that I am fit and ready, I’m eager to help my team as much as I can. As far as the new players are concerned, changes keep happening in every club. All the boys who've come in this season have always given their one hundred percent in training. They are open to learning and listening, and they want to help the team as much as we do.”

The Blues open their Indian Super League campaign with a clash against Chennaiyin FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on September 30.