FC Goa pressed us well: Gerard Zaragoza after Bengaluru FC’s first defeat

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza admitted that FC Goa pressed them well after their first loss in the ongoing Indian Super League. The Gaurs registered a convincing 3-0 win against the Blues at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa on Saturday.

After a goalless first half, Armando Sadiku scored in the 63rd minute to give a lead to the home team. Subsequently, Brandon Fernandes doubled the lead in the 72nd minute whereas Drazic put the game to bed as he scored in the stoppage time.

“We are on top. I mean, if I need to motivate the players when we are on top, imagine what you are doing. That’s a game that all of us know that this can happen,” Zaragoza said in the post-match press conference.

“Even though we played a good game in attack in the first half, the game was 0-0, and it’s what we want to control, but we made two mistakes in that. I cannot blame anyone, because finally these buildups gave us what all the people talked about us. All the buildups gave us these 16 points that we have, and today we missed the opportunity to play a good buildup, and then the other team scored goals. That’s what it is,” he continued.

After the first loss of the season, Zaragoza said they don’t need to hit any panic buttons for the upcoming matches.

“Finally, we are the away team. We are the team that has 16 points. And we are not in a rush,” he answered when asked about his side’s defensive approach.

“I mean, we want to play world football, and world football is to dominate the game. The thing is that FC Goa pressed us well, and then we could not detect where the space was. Then, after the goal, it’s normal. Everything is going faster,” he further added.

The team’s gaffer said the players are working hard to get the desired results and highlighted that the crucial thing is to stay at the top of the standings after the league stage.

“We are working day by day. I said it many times, but today I’m going to repeat that the important thing is to be on top in March when we finish the season,” he said.

“Now it’s about working day by day, game by game, winning points, and being there. Nothing else more than this,” Zaragoza signed off.

The Blues will next take on NorthEast United FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on 8th November.