Gerard Zaragoza feels Bengaluru FC need to regroup after loss against Odisha FC

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza reckons the club needs to regroup after a 4-2 loss against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar in the Indian Super League on Sunday. 

The home team took a 3-0 lead in the first half after Diego Mauricio, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, and Isak Vanlalruatfela found the back of the net. 

Sunil Chhetri made it 3-1 as he scored in the 52nd minute but Mauricio scored his second goal of the night to once again give a three-goal lead to his team. Edgar Mendez scored in the 88th minute for the visitors but it was too late for kind of late drama.

“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.

“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.

Zaragoza believes the Blues could not grab their chances and failed to find the back of the net.

“Before the goal, we had chances to make it 3-1. After the 3-1, we had chances to make it 3-2. 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.”

Zaragoza admitted that the fourth goal they conceded was due to 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.

The Spaniard tactician feels it is imperative for them to regroup after this loss and prepare in the best possible way for the next match.

“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 scored his fifth goal of the season and Zaragoza showered praise on the veteran striker.

“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.”

The Blues will next take on derby rivals Kerala Blasters on December 7.