ISL 2018-19: "We were competing very well against NorthEast," says Bengaluru FC coach Carles Cuadrat
Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City FC lock horns against each other on 9 December at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in a high-voltage, top of the table clash. While the hosts haven't tasted defeat this season at all, Mumbai are on a run of six games unbeaten.
Three points and a game in hand separates last season's runners-up from City, but anything could happen against a top side, especially due to the arduous fixtures recently played by Carles Cuadrat's troops.
The goals do decide the game, but this is sure to be a tactical battle between two stubborn defences.
When asked how it is to play a team placed second time and time again (prior to NorthEast United's draw against ATK on 8 December), the BFC coach said:
"It's an accident of the calendar that we have had to face the second-placed team so many times. It's a challenge, you know? Bengaluru have been leading the league for a lot of time now. Last season too, we were leading for a lot of time and games. I hope that we can enjoy tomorrow at Kanteerava."
The Spaniard mentioned that his side are doing well and that he will not opt to rotate too much, which implies we may expect to see a similar XI that was held to a draw by NorthEast United.
Against the Highlanders, Bengaluru didn't always look to be in their fluent best. However, Cuadrat thinks otherwise. He remarked:
"Against NorthEast, we played a very very professional and competitive game. I think the team didn't face risky situations, there were little chances from the other team and (to let you know), the other team was playing at home. I mean, we were competing very well."
He elaborated:
"Sometimes you can play better, sometimes you will not. So, you have to manage. We have 25 players in the squad, but seven of them play regularly with the B-team. They are younger and they do not have the experience to play in this league, so we have to manage with what we have."
As far as the high-flying Mumbai are concerned, they have a full squad to choose from. Jorge Costa acknowledged the difficulty level of the fixture but boldly stated that he wants all three points.
“I know what we have to do tomorrow. I have not found any weak points in Bengaluru side. They are very good individually and as a team. Having said all this, I want to go home with 3 points and I think we can to it," he affirmed.