ISL 2017/18 Final: Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC - Players, coaches, owners pick Blues as their favourite
As the Indian Super League (ISL) 2017/18 final is less than two hours away from kick-off in Bengaluru, Sportskeeda reached out to a few players, officials and coaches to get their take on the grand-finale along with their predictions.
Aryn Williams from Neroca FC was quoted saying, "As Chennaiyin FC got the better of Bengaluru FC in Bengaluru in the regular league stage, it is going to be a very interesting match. I guess the match will go on to extra time and Bengaluru may scrap through one goal and win it."
"Many teams, both in I-League and the ISL have fared better away from home, rather than at home, so Chennaiyin stand a chance but I still think Bengaluru FC would prevail as their fans would be very loud and back their team which serves as an added advantage which may not be the case for Chennaiyin FC," he said, when asked about the role of home fans today.
Shaji Prabhakaran, President of Delhi Soccer Association said, "For me, Bengaluru FC are the real champions given the fact that they finish top of the regular league standings. Players like Sunil Chhetri and Miku are in top form. Bengaluru FC players are mature as per me and are habituated to deliver in pressure situations over the years."
When asked about the home advantage for Bengaluru FC, Prabhakaran stressed on the fact that the fans in Bengaluru have a big role to play, saying, "Their fans are always super loud and their stadium environment is always brilliant and excellent. They should not ponder about what happened in the league stage and must concentrate on the game. I think Bengaluru FC will come on top today."
Ranjit Bajaj, co-owner of Minerva Punjab FC said, "As I am associated with Minerva Punjab, I would like Chennaiyin FC to prevail as Apollo Tyres are their sponsors. But, personally, for me, I would root for Bengaluru FC. Their culture, football, players everything is top notch. Adding to that, if Bengaluru wins tonight, it would be a great victory for the morale of I-League. It is like one of our own has gone on to win it. So I will go for Bengaluru FC."
When asked about Minerva Punjab's participation in the upcoming Super Cup, he replied in unison that they would participate, as their grievances regarding prize money have been solved.
Bino George, Head Coach, Gokulam Kerala said, "We played Bengaluru FC during the pre-season, and since then I have been saying that Bengaluru FC alone can win the ISL. They have a set team for a long period of time, thus giving them an added advantage. Chennaiyin FC are rather defensive and Bengaluru FC can use this to their advantage and get some early goals."
Lalruathara from Kerala Blasters also went for Bengaluru FC saying that their forward line is the best in the league.