ISL 2023-24: Javi Hernandez’s goal worthy of winning any match – Simon Grayson

Bengaluru FC head coach Simon Grayson was delighted after their 2-1 win against East Bengal FC in the ongoing Indian Super League at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Mahesh Naorem Singh scored for the visitors in the 15th minute. However, the Blues captain Sunil Chhetri, who made a return to the squad after national commitment, got himself on the scoresheet as he converted from the spot kick in the 21st minute to level the score.

Subsequently, Bengaluru FC’s talisman Javi Hernandez scored a stunning goal in the 72nd minute to give a decisive lead to his team.

“We were a bit fragile defensively, we didn’t look that solid and we didn’t create loads and loads of chances but a goal to win any game has won it tonight. We made it too easy, we didn’t win enough challenges, we were a bit soft in that department but they were a good team. The result was the main thing tonight. I’ll analyse all the performances individually and collectively as a team but we just had to win a game tonight and I’m delighted that we have,” he stated in the post-match press conference.

Grayson also showered praise on Javi Hernandez, who continued his good show. The Spaniard had scored 11 goals in the previous season for the Blues and had played an instrumental role in taking the club to the final.

“He tries it probably every day in training. It doesn’t always have that end result, I can guarantee you that. I want you to credit him for trying it in the first place and then to finish it off is unbelievable. As I said, it’s worth it winning any football match, not just in the ISL but right around the world. He’s got that in his armoury. I’m delighted that he finished it off and he won us a game,” Grayson stated.

Grayson included Harsh Patre, Robin Yadav, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Namgyal Bhutia and Parag Shrivas.

Speaking on his decision to play five out-field players who all have come from the BFC Academy, Grayson said: “We made it conscious in the summer that we were going to reduce the age group of the players, there was more experienced players went out but we knew that we had this group underneath that were ready for the first team and there’s other younger players that didn’t even get on tonight. So I don’t care if you’re 35 or 18, 17 and you’re doing well in training, I’ll have the trust in them and I like to think they’ve got the trust in me and we can work together and have a bright future for them.”

Bengaluru FC will next take on FC Goa at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on 25th October.