Bengaluru FC created history of sorts when they won their first Hero Indian Super League title, outlasting FC Goa by a solitary goal at the Mumbai Football Arena here on Sunday.
For the first time, a team won the trophy after topping the group stages of the ISL. Much of that had to do with the lessons learnt after suffering a defeat in the final last year at the hands of Chennaiyin FC, despite achieving the top spot in the league.
Though coach Albert Roca parted way with the club after that loss, Carles Cuadrat has orchestrated a stunning comeback.
“When Albert was saying that he wants to go back and spend time with his family, I think the players were saying that maybe Carles (Cuadrat) can do the job. Since I took the responsibility, they knew that they had to do whatever I asked them to. I have to say that from the first day, we have been changing some things that we were doing last season. We have believed in the plan we had,” he said.
The Spaniard went on to credit FC Goa for a challenging final and went on emphasing the work his team has put in set-pieces – something that ultimately produced dividends with Rahul Bheke heading in a corner for the match-winner.
“We were trying not to arrive to the penalties because it’s just a lottery a lot of times. We are happy that one ball into the box gave us the victory. In the 14 goals scored in the ISL finals, this is the seventh set-piece goal. So, it shows how important it is. We worked on this,” he stated.
The risky decision to drop Albert Serran, who has been instrumental for Bengaluru this season, also paid off. “It was a risky to play with that defence because Albert Serran has been essential for us. I am very happy with how the Indian defenders – Rahul Bheke, Nishu Kumar and Harmanjot Khabra – performed. Goa were not getting a lot of chances, (Ferran) Corominas was not involved as much in the three games that we have played this season.”
Captain Sunil Chhetri also was of the same opinion, crediting the changes Cuadrat has introduced in the Bengaluru outfit. “(What we’ve been playing under Cuadrat) has been more progressive than what we learnt under Roca,” he added.
FC Goa head coach Sergio Lobera, on the other hand, felt his team had performed well and only the red card to Ahmed Jahouh in the first half of extra time changed the complexion of the tie.
“The key moment of the match was when we went one man down in extra time. I think it was a very tight game and it was going to be a matter of small details. The red card was a big handicap for us.
“I think Bengaluru was not better than us. Also, I think we were not better than Bengaluru. It was a very tight final and it was tough losing the game. Bengaluru did not restrict our natural game. We performed as we wanted to. We have played a very good game and I am very proud of the work done by my players. We were facing a great team and for me, anyone could have won this game.”
