Coach Roca Spoke About The Importance Of Promoting Young Players, Sunday’s Big Federation Cup Final And More. Excerpts…
His thoughts on the AFC Cup clash against Bagan…
We were aware that we needed a win in the last AFC Cup game in order to qualify for the next round, so our situation wouldn’t have been affected much by today’s result. The circumstance we are in forced us to field a very young squad who haven’t enjoyed a lot of game time this season. We have had to find a balance and pick a squad that performs in this game and at the same time preserve some of our players for the final.
As you know, a lot of our players stayed back in Cuttack. But the team that played today is also very good. They have been part of the squad and have worked very hard in training. Although the score shows otherwise, the game was very tight and we created a lot of chances. I knew that the team which would score first would go on to win the game and that is what has happened.
On the Blues’ defensive lapses in the game…
We fielded a very young defence today, and it is good for them to get this exposure. To become a good footballer, you must experience a defeat like this. This game was a test for them and in my opinion they have done a good job and will improve in the coming years.
Some of those on the pitch have not even played three or four games in their professional career. I could not demand a performance that I would expect from some of the senior players. However, it is important to realize that we are a club that wants to promote young players and it is our job to give them a platform to perform.
On why the coach chose to field a young side…
We have an important final on Sunday, which is a game that gives us a shot at AFC Competition next season. Irrespective of the result today, we know that a win against Maziya on the 31st will take us through and I thought it would be best for us to give our players some much needed rest.
Some of our boys have played too many games in the last week and there was barely any time to recover. I cannot expect my players to play continuously then travel and play again, it would affect their performances. That is why I decided to take advantage of our situation and play some of our youngplayers so that they can gain experience. I believe the result does not show the true picture, it was a close game and we played equally well. I would like to congratulate Mohun Bagan as they have won, but for me the big games are on Sunday and on May 31 and it’s important days ahead for Bengaluru FC.”
