ISL 2024-25: We could have scored more goals, says Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza has admitted they could have scored more goals after their 1-0 win against East Bengal FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru in their season’s opener of the Indian Super League on Saturday.

Venkatesh scored the solitary goal of the evening for the Blues in the 25th minute of the game. The Blues took two shots on target whereas they had four attempts off target and had 45.6% of possession.

“During the win, we were talking to the players about enjoying playing football, controlling the game, but the most important thing is to win the first three points of the season. To start winning is important for us. I think we dominated the game for almost 60 minutes, with the ball and without the ball. We could have scored even more goals,” Zaragoza said in the post-match press conference.

“But you cannot give life to the opponent. They are good. They have good players. In the second half, (Madih) Talal came and played with good individuality. We could have drawn and lost two points when everything was under control, which means that I’m not completely happy. We won and we have three points. We can do better in the next match in five days again here,” he added.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Venkatesh shone on his ISL debut. However, the youngster was substituted at halftime by Zaragoza due to an injury concern.

“He had a good first half, but he’s too young. He has quality, but he needs to improve a lot of things with his body, his movements, and tactically understand the game. We will work with him to make him even better. He was nervous; it was his first match at Kanteerava, playing with people like Sunil Chhetri, Rahul (Bheke), and players like this. He was nervous after the ball… then it came to one injury, and we hope it’s not too much. And soon he will be ready to play again,” the Spaniard said.

Bengaluru FC will next take on Hyderabad FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Thursday.