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Bengaluru FC will look to return to winning ways when they take on Jamshedpur FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. The Blues, who currently sit ninth on the Indian Super League table with seven points from nine games, are up against the Red Miners, who have four points to their tally.
“The training has been very good, as it has been all season, and we just have to have a positive attitude in everything we do and have a strong mentality to change the fine margins that are going against us. Against Kerala, I felt we didn’t play with the energy we played in the previous two games and that’s something we’re looking to correct at the weekend,” said Grayson, speaking to the media on the eve of the game.
Bengaluru FC went down 2-3 to Kerala Blasters in Kochi last Sunday, and are faced with back-to-back games at the Fortress for the first time this season, with Saturday’s encounter followed by a clash against Hyderabad FC on December 23. Jamshedpur FC, meanwhile, come into the fixture on the back of a 1-0 loss to ATK Mohun Bagan.
“Jamshedpur FC are a fine example to prove that football is not easy. They’re reigning League champions but they’ve found it tough this season. But, that they are below us, doesn’t make it an easy game. They are a very organized team and I am sure it will be a tough fixture. I have a lot of respect for Jamshedpur” and for Aidy Boothroyd, who I’ve known for a very long time. But our friendship goes out the window at half past five until seven o’clock on Saturday because I’m sure he’ll be doing everything they can to win the game, as will I,” added Grayson.
The visitors will be without English defender Peter Hartley, following his red card against ATK Mohun Bagan, while Brazilian Rafael Crivellaro is expected to make his first start of the season. Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC’s new signing Pablo Perez could feature in Saturday’s clash, but Grayson conceded that his inclusion in the Blues eleven will be a call that is left late.
“We’ve had some injuries going into every game this season, as has every club. One positive is that Pablo has had an extra week of training with us now. I have to be careful with him and not rush him, because the last thing I want is for him to break down and be unavailable for a number of weeks. He looks a good player, technically very good, and made an influence when he came on last weekend,” said Grayson.
Kick-off between Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC is scheduled for 5.30pm on Saturday, and tickets to the encounter are available on PayTM Insider.
