ISL 2023-24: It’s amazing to start like this, says Bengaluru FC’s Gerard Zaragoza

Bengaluru FC’s new head coach Gerard Zaragoza was delighted after a 1-0 win against Jamshedpur FC in his maiden match as the manager in the Indian Super League at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Javi Hernandez scored through a spot kick at the stroke of half-time to give a decisive 1-0 lead to his team. The Blues took only two shots on target but they were able to get over the line. This was Bengaluru FC’s second win of the season and they will aim to carry the good show.

Zaragoza was happy with the team’s performance in the first half but feels they were not up to the mark in the second half.

“I think that the first half was for us,” Zaragoza stated in the pre-match press conference.

“We tried to keep the ball, and the players, step by step, tried to be confident and arrive more times (in the box). In the second half, Jamshedpur FC, of course, tried to beat us to win the game. But the reality also is that our players played three days ago, and they were completely destroyed. But finally, the three points are here at home. And it’s amazing to start like this,” he added.

The Blues had gone winless in their last seven matches but Zaragoza revealed his message to his players was to enjoy the game both defensively and offensively.

Speaking in context, he said: “I really enjoy it (the match).”

“During the game, all game I did not feel any pressure. I was enjoying it. Before the match, I said them (the players) to enjoy themselves not only in attack but also in defence. We need to enjoy everything. They have the best work in the world, and they cannot feel this pressure. They really did what I wanted. But this is only the start. We need more,” he continued.

The Blues will next take on NorthEast United FC in their next game on December 24. Zaragoza urged his players to take one game at a time to get the desired results.

“We need to go day by day,” he said.

“We have a recovery session tomorrow (on Sunday); we have a game also with the B team, and I want to know all the B team. We will prepare day by day for the game against NorthEast United FC, and let’s see,” he signed off.