Gerard Zaragoza slams relax approach after loss against Mumbai City FC

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza was not impressed with the relaxed approach after a 0-2 loss against Mumbai City FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru in the ongoing Indian Super League on Tuesday.

Lallianzuala Chhangte and Nikolaos Karelis scored in the first half for the Islanders to give all three points to the visitors. Zaragoza admitted they didn’t play with the right intent against the Blues and he was not pleased with his players’ effort.

Bengaluru FC could not even manage a solitary shot on target despite having almost 52% possession.

“There was one team that was playing for something (tonight), and there was another team that did the job three weeks ago,” Zaragoza said at the post-match press conference.

“It was the same against East Bengal FC. Mumbai City FC started the game stronger because they wanted to win. They needed these points. And we started a little bit more relaxed, and it’s something that I didn’t like. It’s something that I told the players about against East Bengal FC,” he added.

The Blues gave opportunities to young players like Poonia and Soham Varshneya, who came on as a substitute to make his ISL debut.

“We are happy because seven of our players were from our reserve team (today). They are coming from below, you know. And that means that the club is working really, really hard and really well. This is what we need to do—to produce more players with a lot of attitude, who are brave. And this is what we need,” Zaragoza stated.

Meanwhile, with playoffs on the cards, Zaragoza decided to rest Alberto Noguera and Chinglensana Singh, whereas Ryan Williams, who was on a yellow card, was substituted at halftime.

“But the most important thing is to prepare the team for the playoffs. (Alberto) Noguera, one of our main players, was not here.”