'Who said we were invincibles': Bengaluru FC coach Zaragoza after first defeat

In a fiercely contested Indian Super League clash, FC Goa triumphed over Bengaluru FC with a decisive 3-0 scoreline at Fatorda Stadium.

The win showcased FC Goa’s continued strength in attack, while Bengaluru’s previously unbeaten run came to a halt.

Both coaches addressed the performance and their next steps, sharing their reflections on tactics, areas for growth, and expectations for the season.

Bengaluru FC’s head coach, Gerard Zaragoza, took the defeat in stride, emphasizing that it highlighted areas for improvement but also underscored the resilience of his squad.

He stressed that the team’s current success comes from a steady, day-by-day approach, and cautioned against complacency.

"We didn’t play our best-attacking game in the first half, but we kept it 0-0, which was our goal," Zaragoza noted. "We suffered from two mistakes in our buildup, but I can’t blame anyone. This approach has given us the 16 points we have, and today was a missed chance."

When asked if the defeat revealed vulnerabilities, Zaragoza remained focused on the long term.

"Who said we were invincible?" he remarked. "We take it game by game. Our goal is to be on top at the end of the season. We’ll work, gather points, and stay committed.”

On the other side, FC Goa’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, praised his players for their solid showing against one of the league’s toughest teams.

"Today, we didn’t concede many chances to a very strong team like Bengaluru," Marquez shared. "We are scoring regularly, and once again, we managed three goals. Perhaps the score doesn’t entirely reflect the game, but we were the better side and deserved to win."

Marquez also praised Sandesh Jhingan’s defensive prowess, emphasizing his leadership and contribution to the squad.

"Sandesh is one of the best center-backs in India, and having him back was crucial. The whole squad needs to be ready because we’ll need every player as the season progresses," Marquez added.

Looking ahead, Marquez is preparing for a quick turnaround to face Punjab FC. He plans to rotate the lineup, ensuring the team is well-rested for what he expects to be a challenging encounter.

"Punjab is a tough side with a strong 4-2-3-1 setup, and their coach is doing an excellent job. It’ll be another strong game, but we’ll be ready," Marquez concluded.

Both coaches expressed optimism about their respective teams’ progress and commitment as they continue their ISL campaigns.