ISL 2023-24: We played a good game – Bengaluru FC’s Gerard Zaragoza despite loss against Mumbai City FC

Bengaluru FC’s head coach Gerard Zaragoza feels they played a good game despite their 2-0 loss against Mumbai City FC in the 15th match week of the Indian Super League at the Mumbai Football Arena on Sunday.

Vikram Partap Singh scored twice for the Islanders to give them a convincing win. On the other hand, Bengaluru FC had 55.3% possession and took a total of eight shots, two of them on target. The Blues’ coach was happy with the effort of his players despite the loss.

“That’s the difference today, you know, Mumbai’s in the top four because of something. I think my players gave everything, I think that we played a good game, and afterwards, when I analyse, I will see some amazing things,” he said at the post-match press conference.

Zaragoza admitted that the inability to convert their chances led to their downfall in the game.

“We had to score, fact! I think when you lose, that’s true, but I think we dominated the game, at least in the first half. Then with 1-0, you need to work, work, work,” he added.

The Blues gaffer feels Mumbai could not play at their absolute best because of the way they played throughout the game.

“I didn’t see today Mumbai playing as they like, as they move the ball from back, they crossed many times, they came short because of my players,” he said.

“But they punished us. They had 3-4 shots on goal and scored two goals. We made 3 or 4 shots also but didn’t score, and football is like this,” he added.

Zaragoza added it is important to go game by game and win their next match of the tournament against the Nizams.

“We go game by game, now the most important is to win Hyderabad FC at home. I am not thinking we win or lose at home, I am not thinking this, I am only thinking next match. I am thinking of getting the maximum points possible because we deserve to be on top,” he concluded.

Bengaluru FC will next face Hyderabad FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday.