ISL Season 8: Bengaluru FC ended their Indian Super League campaign on a high as the Blues bagged a 1-0 win over bottom dwellers SC East Bengal courtesy of a Sunil Chhetri winner. The Red and Golds tried their best and even created a lot of chances but simply could not bury any of their chances. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only InsideSport.IN
Although Bengaluru FC did not reach the ISL semifinals they did put up a strong showing in the second half of the season and finished in sixth position, a rank higher than last season. So Marco Pezzaiuoli highlighted how this was a better season than their last and the areas where things went wrong for them this season.
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“I think it is a small step. As a coach, you want to reach the highest possibility every time which is to win the league and the second is to be in the top-four which we did not reach. One positive is that we scored seven points more than last season but the big issue was the first six games, we lost to be in the top-four of the competition. Because in the last 14 games, we have scored 25 points and add four-five points more, then you’re in the top four. Today’s win is a positive. We are looking forward to the next season,” Pezzaiuoli said at the post match press conference.
The German tactician has been in India for more than year now and when quizzed about the progress that he has seen since he joined, Pezzaiuoli explained, “In the beginning, we showed our process, we had good games which we dominated but we had individual mistakes of not scoring goals, that is what we missed. But our playing style, how we played forward, how we pressed and our ball possession was better in the second half of the tournament. In the set-pieces, we are really strong. Roshan is one who came out of the reserve team but in the end, he made the first cut to come into ISL and now has received a national call-up in the camp. These are the small steps.”
The German tactician added how he has his sights of reaching the top four next season and then right for the league title in the recent future. He understands how difficult things get in the upcoming years but the team management are keen to improve on this season’s performances.
“We want to reach a step higher than this year. We want to be in the top four and win the league. Many teams were changing this year with new coaches and players, better teams than last year, the level goes up and teams play more often. It is not easy, you need to invest. There were six to seven teams who wanted to reach the top four and we want to be there in the next season,” Pezzaiuoli revealed.
Lastly speaking on his strategies for next season Pezzaiuoli highlighted that at first they need to keep hold of their best players and also help the youngsters give a long run. He feels that the postseason analysis will open up several areas that they need to improve.
“First, it is important to retain our players, extend their contracts and ensure that we have our young players for the long term. We did already a couple of transfers, some Indian players will come in but now we need to analyse what we can do more. I want to wish our supporters a good time, good health at this time and hopefully, see them in stadiums next season,” he concluded.
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