Thursday , March 28 2024

Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca: We have one more chance to do something special!

bengaluru-fc-alberto-rocaAlbert Roca, the Spanish Coach of Bengaluru FC has already started feeling the heat of the expectations around him and his Team ahead of the arguably most notable milestone for Indian Club Football, let alone JSW Bengaluru FC.

He, however, believes the job is yet to be finished and they need to step up once more. In an exclusive interview with AIFF Media, Roca spoke on his feelings on the achievement, the plan, dependence on Sunil Chhetri, Amrinder’s absence, plan for Hammadi Ahmed and much more.

Bengaluru FC are on the cusp of making history. You are at the helm of the club. How do you feel being part of it?

It sure feels nice to be part of Indian Football history despite having very little time with the Team. It’s also a testament to how hard the boys and the staff have worked to bring the Club to this moment. But there is so much more to achieve and we cannot afford to be satisfied with this. We have one more chance to do something special and that’s what we have been focusing on.

Sunil stole the show on October 19.

We play as a Team and Sunil is the Captain of that Team. It’s going to take everyone to chip in with their best performances if we are to give ourselves a chance in the final. Whether Sunil scores or not, he’s always working hard. He didn’t score in the quarterfinal and the first leg of the semis but Vineeth and Eugene came up with goals. We won’t be depending on Sunil but I know he will lead the team just as he has been all these years.

Iraq’s Air Force FC have scored 26 goals so far in the campaign. Will you take a defensive approach on the final?

I’ve said more than a few times that we play to our strengths. We have got to be brave and I don’t see how going defensive translates to being brave. Yes, they are a good side that loves scoring but we back ourselves.

Any particular plan for Hammadi Ahmed who has run a riot in the AFC Cup 2016 so far, having scored 15 goals?

I spend time with the technical staff on the opponents and we’re doing as much homework as we can. We’re definitely going into this game with a plan and can only hope that it unfolds the way we want it to. Of course, that will mean the boys doing everything that is asked of them and maybe more.

Is Amrinder’s absence going to dent your plan in the Final?

It’s a shame that he’s missing out but we back Ralte equally. He’s been really professional at training and has done enough for us to believe that he will turn up with the goods on the day. All the boys are working hard at training, knocking on the door to earn a place in the starting XI and that helps.

A handful of fans are travelling all the way to Doha to cheer for the Blues.

Our fans were amazing on the 19th against Johor and it made me really happy when I heard a few of them would be coming. It tells you a lot about the Club and the love that the fans feel towards it. We hope we can make their trip a memorable one.

Is your old friend Xavi Hernandez coming before the final to boost your Team?

I haven’t spoken to him as yet. But if he is around, I’d surely invite him to the game.

by AIFF Media

About Arunava Chaudhuri

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