Synopsis
Bengaluru FC's head coach, Gerard Zaragoza, urges city fans to support the team ahead of their crucial ISL clash against Jamshedpur FC. With the playoffs in sight, the Blues aim for a victory at Sree Kanteerava Stadium to solidify their chances.Key Takeaways
- Gerard Zaragoza calls for fan support for Bengaluru FC.
- Bengaluru FC is currently fifth, needing a win against Jamshedpur FC.
- Sunil Chhetri leads the team with 11 goals this season.
- Defensive improvements are crucial for the Blues.
- Jamshedpur's Javi Hernandez is in excellent form with seven goals.
Bengaluru, Feb 8 (NationPress) Gerard Zaragoza has called upon the city to rally as his Bengaluru FC prepares to face Jamshedpur FC in an Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 matchup at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium this Sunday. Currently positioned fifth on the table, the Blues are determined to secure a playoff spot with a favorable outcome against the third-placed Red Miners.
“We need our fans to fill the stadium. We’re not asking for anything extraordinary, just their support to drive us towards victory. The belief our supporters have in us is incredible,” stated Zaragoza during the pre-match press conference.
Captain Sunil Chhetri is showcasing his prowess with 11 goals and one assist this season, while Spanish striker Edgar Mendez is also in fine form, contributing with a goal and an assist in the previous match against Punjab FC. However, the defense of Bengaluru FC has been under scrutiny, and they will aim to strengthen their performance.
On the other hand, former Bengaluru player Javi Hernandez is thriving with Jamshedpur, netting seven goals and providing three assists this season. Goalkeeper Albino Gomes stands out with the highest number of saves this season at 72. Khalid Jamil’s squad has a tendency to score late, having secured a 2-1 victory against Bengaluru earlier this season with two late goals.
Zaragoza also emphasized that, statistically, the team's performance has improved compared to their winning start. “I spend significant time communicating with the players, reinforcing their good work. Our GPS data, possession stats, and shots on target are all better than when we began the season unbeaten,” Zaragoza concluded.
