Carles Cuadrat hails ‘compact’ Bengaluru FC

While 2018-19 Indian Super League (ISL) champions Bengaluru FC are generally known for their attacking prowess, this season it is the defence that has been the standout element thus far.

In three matches in ISL 2020-21, Bengaluru FC have kept two clean sheets, against Hyderabad FC and two-time champions Chennaiyin FC, as they recorded their first win of the season against the latter.

And Bengaluru FC head coach Carles Cuadrat was happy with his back four’s showings.

“We have been very good in defence and look like a well-organised team. I am impressed with this consistency and mature way of playing the game,” Cuadrat said.

The only game in which Bengaluru FC have conceded came against FC Goa in a 2-2 draw in their opening match, but Cuadrat was not too worried about the game.

“The only time we had a slightly bad situation was against Goa but even then, I felt we were compact at the back. It was a good game against a dangerous team like Goa, who dominate possession and create many chances,” the Spaniard noted.

“So to me, it is clear that we are a compact team with very clear tactics. It is difficult to play against us. Of course, we have room for improvement and that is what we work towards.”

Bengaluru FC’s next opponents, NorthEast United FC, will be nothing like FC Goa though.

NorthEast, managed by former India international Khalid Jamil, are known for their defensive tactics and prefer to hit back through counterattacks. It has worked for them thus far - they are unbeaten and sit in third place in the ISL points table.

“It is going to be a very tactical game because NorthEast are a well-drilled team like us. They do not take many risks and wait for the right moment to punish opponents, so it will take a lot of work to beat them,” Cuadrat said ahead of the game.

“We are working on strategies to get the three points and thankfully, we have no injuries. Every player is fit and ready to play.”

Lead image: ISL Media