“We will have our supporters behind us,” Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza said ahead of the Odisha FC clash.

Sergio Lobera’s side were victorious in their opening match against the Blues in October 2023. However, Bengaluru FC is unbeaten in eight out of nine matches playing at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium this season. The Zaragoza side will be determined to build on their excellent home record against Kalinga Warriors and stay alive in the race for a playoff spot.

Zaragoza acknowledged the strength of their opponent and are fully aware of the difficulties that Odisha FC could present. However, the Spaniard is optimistic about a positive outcome with the immense support from his supporters.

“We have trained very well in the last two weeks. Odisha FC is a very good team, with strong people and very good coaches, but we know that we will play in Kanteerava and we will have our supporters behind us,” Zaragoza said. Quoting ISL in a pre-match press conference.

The 42-year-old head coach urged his players to keep things simple while playing against a strong team like Odisha FC. Zaragoza had words of praise for some of his foreign players but wanted his players to remain focused and take command of the game.

“We always try to be the heroes in the game. We always try to keep working, attack and create as much spectacle as possible. We did that against Kerala Blasters FC. We try to reach the opponent’s box. “We are, as we can, to play a cross, and go inside the box with as many players (already). And that’s the idea,” he explained.

“Of course, we need to defend because they have two very good strikers (Roy Krishna and Diego Mauricio) who have scored a lot of goals. For me they have Ahmed Jahouh, who is the best player in this league. We have to be aware. We need more of them. My team needs to be prepared for defense as well as attack,” he added.

Zaragoza also praised defender Sivaldo Singh, who has been playing regularly over the past few months. But he wants the defender to keep working hard and improve his game to ensure a bright future.

He said, “He (Sivaldo Singh) is almost new to this professional level. He is now knocking doors and climbing many stairs.”

“But he needs to improve every day. This is just a start for him. He has a lot of future and a lot of potential. This is the time for him to work, understand and learn from the coaches and other players.” And I’m sure he has a great future.”