ISL 2017/18: NorthEast don't deserve to be 9th, says Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca

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Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca (R) with NorthEast coach Avram Grant [Image: ISL]After Bengaluru FC beat NorthEast United 2-1 at the Kanteerava Stadium to return to the top of the ISL table, Blues coach Albert Roca was quick to praise the Highlanders, claiming they were a good team that was improving and did not deserve to be near the bottom of the table.

"We knew it was going to be tough, they are a very physical team. They have good, strong defenders and quick midfielders. They're a tough, tough team. [Holicharan] Narzary and Seimenlen can create and they are in very good shape.

"It is a team that don't deserve to be where they are right now. They had a bad start to the season but we'll see a much better team towards the end of the season."

Roca mentioned the win was important not only from the standpoint of getting three points to top the table but also to beat a team that was only going to improve.

"It's important to follow the other teams. Chennai were top, then Pune. We are in the same boat, more or less separated by just one point - ahead or behind.

"But it was very important to eliminate a team that I think will get a lot of points in the next few games. They are playing well after coach [Avram] Grant came into the team.

"Nothing is done yet. There are six games and we need to win at least three if we want to be among the top four."

Bengaluru scored their first goal from a set-piece - a trend that has been established by former assistant coach Carles Cuadrat who had to step down due to health issues.

But Roca explained that they still focused on set pieces even after his departure with Marc Huguet stepping in.

"We know how important set-pieces were in the past and we're working hard to be at the same level. Carles did a good job but Marc has come in and we've tried to improve that aspect of our game again."

NorthEast United equalised from the penalty spot against Bengaluru [Image: ISL]

Roca unsure if penalty for NorthEast was right call

A debatable penalty was awarded to NorthEast in the first half when Subhasish Bose attempted a sliding tackle in the box and the ball came off his arm. It was unintentional but the referee awarded a penalty which Marcinho converted to equalise.

"I couldn't see [the penalty]," Roca said. "When I see the replay I'll be able to tell you if it was a penalty or not."

"It was tough and hard for us because we were managing the game well. But you cannot control these kinds of things. It was a difficult job to overcome that situation but we talked it over and decided we had to be calm in the second half and not be rash."

Bengaluru's next ISL fixture is away at ATK but they first take on Transport United at home in the AFC Cup on 30 January.

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