Good evening everyone,
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas around friends and family, and found reason to celebrate despite what has been a very difficult last two years for all of us around the world. We, at the Bengaluru FC family, brought in Christmas on the night of the 24th with what was a really nice time together. We didn’t speak about football at all. Instead we laughed, danced, opened presents, helped ourselves to some delicious food and were grateful for each other’s company. Every now and then it is important to remind yourself that life is more than just football. And we did exactly that.
But now we’re here, on matchday and the game against Chennaiyin has all our attention and focus. Our first eight fixtures were played very close to each other, and this time it was good to have nine days between games. It gave us the chance to rest, recover and work harder on the aspects of our game that need improvement. It also gave us the time to try new ideas and we’re going to see how and when we can use them.
We’ve played Chennaiyin FC twice in pre-season friendlies and both the games were tough. We are completely aware of what Chennaiyin as a team are a capable of, and the threat they possess. We will have to be very sharp in the midfield if we are to avoid losing possession, because we know Chennaiyin are swift in transition. Like us, they too have had more than a week to prepare for this game and possess quality players, which makes this game very interesting.
The team comes to today’s game on the back of the 0-0 draw against Jamshedpur. It was our first clean sheet of the season, and when you look at the way Jamshedpur have scored in other games, it tells you of the good job our team has done, and that brings with it a lot of confidence. Now that we have a clean sheet, and have been scoring goals, we need a combination of both in the same game to get us all points. Like I have said before, we need to take what our performances deserve in terms of points.
In team news, we have a couple of question marks with Udanta (muscle) and Prince (knee) and we’ll see how things progress with both of them. Roshan returns to the team after serving a suspension, and his addition gives us a few options. But like always, the squad that is selected will be one that will give this game everything. It would be nice to end the year with a win, and that’s what we’re hoping we can give ourselves and you.
Love,
Marco
The Big
Preview
CONVERTING PERFORMANCES
Bengaluru come into this game on the back of two draws – including their first clean sheet this season – and Marco Pezzaiuoli will hope that his side start converting good performances to three points, sooner rather than later. Through the season, Bengaluru have shown flashes of the team they are capable of being, and the Blues will have to make sure they extend their spells of dominance when they take on what is a disciplined Chennaiyin FC side.
UNLOCKING THE BACK
Bozidar Bandovic has put together what is the League’s most solid side defensively, so far this season. Chennaiyin are stubborn and compact at the back, and the Blues will have to turn it up a notch when it comes to creating goal-scoring chances, on Thursday. In Cleiton, Prince, Udanta, Chhetri and Ashique, Bengaluru have enough experience, strength, pace and guile to put even the best defences under pressure, but it would need all of them to turn up with their best form if the Blues are to take the game to Chennaiyin. It would also be interesting to watch if Pezzaiuoli decides to switch things up a little in the midfield to lend it some more creativity.
SHARP IN THE MIDDLE
While Bengaluru’s defence is on the mend, and the attack has been turning up with goals, the midfield looks like it holds the key to tonight’s outcome. Chennaiyin are a side that are swift in transition once they win the ball in the midfield and Bengaluru will have to be extra cautious when it comes to protecting the ball in that part of the pitch. The 3-0 defeat to Kerala did expose more than just a few chinks in the Chennaiyin armour, and the Blues would have to execute the notes they’ve made, to perfection.
TEAM NEWS
Naorem Roshan who has started games at the full-back position, makes a return to the squad after missing out the 0-0 draw against Jamshedpur through a suspension. Udanta Singh (muscle) and Prince Ibara (knee) are doubtful starters.
BFC
Squad
GOALKEEPERS
DEFENDERS
MIDFIELDERS
FORWARDS
CFC
Squad
GOALKEEPERS
DEFENDERS
MIDFIELDERS
FORWARDS
Head Coach
BLUE
BROADCAST
Blue Colts bag mixed results in BDFA Super Division League
Following their 2-2 draw with FC Bengaluru United, the Bengaluru FC B returned to winning ways with a 4-0 defeat of Bangalore United FC with Thoi Singh scoring a brace. Only three days later, Sandesh Bhoite’s side were back in action against Young Challengers FC, in a game where they ran out 5-3 winners.
Thoi bagged another brace for the Blue Colts, who came within touching distance of the top-three. However, a disappointing 4-2 result against Kickstart FC on Tuesday at the BFS saw the Bengaluru reserves slip up on the opportunity.
In what was a game of two halves, the Blue Colts conceded four times in the first period, and scored twice in the second, but the comeback wasn’t to be as they slipped to their fourth defeat of the campaign.
Young Blues continue participation in Double Pass Development League
Over at our age-group teams, the Young Blues began the DPDL campaign with big wins over Black Panthers (6-1) and Super Strikers FC (9-0). After two weeks of matches, the Bengaluru FC Academy teams in the U8 and U10 category sit atop the charts, with a perfect record.
The Double Pass Development League hands an opportunity for our age-group day boarding teams to log competitive matches through the season. The BFC U11 Academy ran out winners at the competition last season, while the U9 and U7 teams made it through to the final.
No makeshift determination, this
He Dislocated His Elbow A Week Before The Season Began, But Parag Shrivas Has Made A Steady Comeback And Wants To Be Seen As More Than Just A Youngster Getting A Few Minutes Of First-Team Football…
The season was a week away from a start when Bengaluru FC drove to Jamshedpur FC’s training facility to indulge in a friendly fixture. It was all going fine till the host’s bench frantically signalled for the ambulance. On the turf, Parag Shrivas was writhing in pain, holding his hand and cursing in visible anguish. In his attempt to win a header from a long punt from goal, the youngster toppled over an opponent and landed awkwardly on his left hand, his elbow bearing the brunt.
He made his way back to the team hotel later that day, his hand in a temporary cast. A dislocation was the verdict. He was going to miss the first few games of the season, and you could tell how much the fact killed him from within. In what was a 2020-21 season for forget for Bengaluru FC where they finished seventh on the table, Parag was a silver lining. The defender played without fear or pressure, was confident on the ball and grabbed every half chance he got to join in attack. And with the departures of Rahul Bheke and Harmanjot Khabra at the end of the season, he had made a strong case as a starter. And that’s when an injury in an inconsequential game, derailed those plans.
But Parag gives the most honest advertisement of his fearless style of play when he speaks about the incident. “I was disappointed that I would be missing the start of the season, but not once do I regret going for that ball even if the game didn’t mean anything. They say you should train the way you would play a game, and while I understand that doesn’t mean being reckless, that ball was there to be won. Unfortunately, I used my hand to control my fall and ended up dislocating my elbow.”
Trust someone who is always smiling, to find a positive spin even to a dislocation. “It could have been my knee or ankle and my recovery would have taken much longer. Thankfully it was only my elbow. The medical staff at the club made sure I could get back to training at the earliest.”
Parag got his first minutes of the new season when he came on against Hyderabad on the 8th of December, and since then, he has made steady progress that has seen coach Marco Pezzaiuoli hand him starts against ATK Mohun Bagan and Jamshedpur FC where he partnered Alan Costa in the centre of defence. “I knew my chance would come because I have been working hard, and I’m happy I could be a part of our first clean sheet of the season. Gurpreet bhai gets asked so much about clean sheets in interviews, and it was nice to be able to do it for him too.”
He's got a happy-go-lucky demeanour and it’s little surprise that everyone on the team stops by for a little banter with him. But Parag has forged an endearing friendship with Cleiton Silva, and everyone on the outside got a little glimpse of it when the Brazilian chose to celebrate his goal in Bengaluru’s 4-2 over NorthEast United by running to the stands and celebrating with a fun gesture aimed at Parag. “Cleiton and I speak a lot. What I love about our bond is that we can be critical about each other’s mistakes on the pitch without any misunderstanding. He wants me to improve, and I want the best for him. I’m good friends with everyone on the team, but the bond with Cleiton is special.”
Talk to him about his instinct to join in attacks with an extra zeal, and Parag lets us in on where that comes from. “I used to play as a striker until five years ago, and I guess that’s where the desire to be part of an attack comes from. I played in defence for the first time at Bharat FC. We had an English coach, Barry Knowles who thought I was a better fit at the back.” With an English coach, came the aggression that English defenders are typically associated with, and Parag says he embraced the trait straight away.
While he sounds grateful for the bit-part opportunities he was handed last season, the 24-year-old from Amravati says he’s set himself a target when it comes to playing time, and he hopes to meet it, despite the injury making the goal seem harder. “I’ve told myself I need to play 50% of our games this season in the ISL. I want to score a goal, be at the end of an assist and have as many clean sheets as possible. I want it all.”
There’s a boyish smile while he underlines his desires, but you can sense more than just a hint of determined aggression in his tone. This isn’t the makeshift ‘English’ defender speaking. It’s all the signs of a boy who wants to make his coming of age, his one single mission.
KEY MEN
BENGALURU FC
Parag Shrivas
Parag Shrivas has started the Blues’ last two games, and has been impressive in both outings. He’s as comfortable playing in the full back position as he is partnering partnering Alan Costa in the centre of defence, and the youngster is only growing in confidence. While the Chennaiyin attack haven’t exactly been firing all cylinders, the Blues too have managed just the one clean sheet and Parag will be keen to play his part on the night to make sure the count increases.
Udanta Singh
Udanta Singh has shown glimpses of brilliance on the wings for Bengaluru FC this season and will be motivated to get back to his best when the Blues face rivals Chennaiyin FC at the Tilak Maidan in Goa. Udanta had a fantastic start to the season that was cut short with an injury, forcing him to miss a few games. But Udanta has recovered and was even handed a start against Jamshedpur where he picked up from where he left. With players like Cleiton Silva and Prince Ibara to aim for in the box, Udanta could play a big role in helping the Blues take an early lead on the day. The Flash is doubtful for tonight’s encounter, but could be an option off the bench for the Blues if the boss feels the need to give him a run out.
Prince Ibara
Prince Ibara has found a new role in the Bengaluru FC squad, starting his last few games in the right wing position. This helps the Congolese International use his blistering pace on the ball to run at defenders in order to create an opening for the Blues. With two goals this season already, the 25-year-old forward is a threat in front of goal and will be a key target during the Blues’ set-pieces. The striker will look forward to linking up with Brazilian attacker Cleiton Silva for Marco Pezzaiuoli’s side against Chennaiyin FC’s resolute defence.
KEY MEN
CHENNAIYIN FC
Anirudh Thapa
The captain of Chennaiyin FC will look to carry his team to three points and put them into the top-four of the league. The 23-year-old has a goal to his name and has been a driving force for the Marina Machans in the heart of midfield. With a passing accuracy of 74.9%, Thapa will be a key member in pulling the strings for Chennaiyin FC. He creates chances, poses a threat in front of goal and will be a livewire across the pitch. The Blues will need to have a solid plan to contain him and erase the threat Thapa poses.
Slavko Damjanovic
Slavko Damjanovic has been a rock for Chennaiyin FC at the heart of defence, and a big reason why the two-time champions have conceded just seven times so far this season.
Teams have found it hard to get past the CFC backline and the Serbian International has a big role in keeping the attackers at bay. With 13 tackles, 16 blocks and 30 clearances to his name, Damjanovic will look forward to the challenge the Bengaluru FC frontline possesses.
Lallianzuala Chhangte
Gifted with pace on the wings and a knack for finding himself in great positions in the box, Lallianzuala Chhangte will look to create problems for the Bengaluru FC backline. The 24-year-old has scored and assisted once this season and will be keen to add to those numbers as Chennaiyin have struggled in attack.
FLASHBACK
FCGBFC
Chennaiyin FC 0 Bengaluru FC 1 Chhetri 58’ (P)
Carles Cuadrat’s Bengaluru FC side faced the Marina Machans in their third encounter of the 2020-21 Indian Super League with just two points on the board from a possible six, having drawn against FC Goa and Hyderabad in their first two fixtures of the League season.
Bissau-Guinean striker Esmael Goncalves started up front for the hosts, while Jamaican Deshorn Brown was given the nod ahead of Kristian Opseth in the Blues’ eleven for the encounter. Goncalves had the first chance of the night when his shot was blocked away, only for Brazilian Rafael Crivellaro’s attempt to be saved well by Gurpreet in the Bengaluru goal.
Bengaluru pushed forward and created several opportunities through set-pieces with headers from centre-backs Rahul Bheke and Juanan Gonzalez saved by Vishal Kaith. The Blues’ best chance of the first period came when Dimas Delgado swung in a corner for Bheke to attack, but Kaith was there to punch away before the BFC centre-half could get a touch to it.
Cuadrat rang in a change at the break as Brown made way for Opseth. Only eight minutes into the second period, Dimas’ surging run found Erik Paartalu, whose forward pass for Cleiton Silva found the Brazilian in a race to get the decisive touch in the box. With Silva charging forward, substitute Edwin Vanspaul slid in for the tackle and despite attempting to pull away at the last moment, brought the Blues’ number 23 down prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Chhetri, who scored past Kaith in the semifinal of the 2017-18 Indian Super League, dispatched his penalty far past the reach of the Chennaiyin ’keeper to give the Blues the lead. Five minutes later, Bengaluru had an opportunity to double the lead, but Delgado’s rasping effort from a set-piece routine was tipped away by a fantastic save from Kaith.
Past the hour mark, Chennaiyin had chances aplenty to level things up but for some fine goalkeeping by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Tajik striker Fatkhulo Fatkhulloev’s volley in the 63rd minute was parried away before another attempt, ten minutes later, ruffled the side netting.
Cuadrat rang in changes as youngster Amay Morajkar and Spanish defender Fran Gonzalez came off the bench to close things out, helping the Blues to their first victory of the season. For his typically strong performance in the middle of the park, Suresh Wangjam was named the Man of the Match.
