Really proud of what we did: Simon Grayson on Bengaluru FC reaching the Hero ISL final

Bengaluru FC head coach Simon Grayson was proud of their successful campaign in Hero Indian Super League 2022-23 season. The Blues qualified for the finals but could not cross the last hurdle against ATK Mohun Bagan as they lost on penalties.

In fact, Bengaluru FC had struggled in the first phase of the league stage but they bounced back in style. Bengaluru FC went on to win their last nine matches in the league stage to have their most successful winning streak. In fact, the Blues had won managed only two wins in the first 11 matches of the tournament but they were able to turn the corner.

Bengaluru FC then defeated Kerala Blasters FC by 1-0 in the knockout match whereas they stunned the League Shield winners Mumbai City FC in the semifinal contest.

“The timing just felt right,” Grayson told The Athletic.

“Three years ago if you’d offered me that, there’s not a chance I’d have said yes. Even a couple of years ago, I’d probably have backed out at the last minute,” he added.

“But when the offer came and I really thought about it, it felt like the right thing to do. It involves sacrifices because my family are all back in England but we all felt it was worth it,’ Grayson continued.

The manager admitted the finals loss against the Mariners was a difficult pill to swallow for him.

He said, “I told the squad when I arrived: ‘I’m not here for a holiday, I’m here to win things.”

“Losing the final was frustrating, obviously it was. But I’m really proud of what we did,” Grayson concluded.

In the ongoing Super Cup, Bengaluru FC played a 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan in their opening game. Subsequently, they won against RoundGlass Punjab by 2-0. Bengaluru will face Kerala Blasters on Sunday.