ISL 2017/18: Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca admits he is concerned about Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's form
Bengaluru FC's smooth start to their first ever ISL season doesn't seem that smooth anymore. Case in point being their recent loss to bottom-placed side Delhi Dynamos.
On Thursday, the Blues will have to pull themselves back up and be ready to face a solid Mumbai City FC outfit, who themselves will be keen to get back into form. However, not all is well in the BFC camp.
Goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu for whom the club paid a hefty amount, has been off colour and struggling between the sticks. Bengaluru's coach, Albert Roca admits, he is a bit concerned about his keeper's form. Singh who a couple of months back looked supreme, has been a shadow of his former self during this ISL season.
The lanky shot-stopper has failed to command his area like he usually does so with such military precision. Asked if he is worried about Singh's recent outings, this is what Roca had to say. BFC have conceded 12 goals this season so far, five teams have a better defensive record. The manager suggested that having a solid keeper is vital for a team to bounce back.
"Yes, but he's a nice guy, one of the better goalkeepers in India in my opinion. It is now a challenge for me and him as well to react to this and try and do his best. We feel really secure about him."
"It happens, even if it's a short season, you've seen that sometimes he's performing well and then after two games it seems completely different. When you have quality at the back, it's easier to get back into form," the coach explained.
Viewed as one of the favourites to clinch the ISL trophy this season, Bengaluru have had it far from easy. They've managed to win only 6 of their 10 games and have lost four in the process. Roca admits the favourites tag has negatively affected his players and attempted to put things into perspective.
"The difference between the teams is not much, everybody thinks we can win every game but we're not Barcelona or Manchester City! The other teams have shown that they are at the same level. It's not going to be easy, I don't like flattery, a coach hates it. It makes a team weaker," he stated.