Bengaluru FC’s head coach Simon Grayson feels they can beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant if they perform to their capabilities in the ongoing Hero ISL 2023-24 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata on Wednesday.
The Blues got off to a losing start in their campaign as they suffered a 2-1 loss against Kerala Blasters FC. On the other hand, reigning champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant bested new-entrant Punjab FC by 3-1 in their opening game of the season.
“Last year, we won the first game, so it is a bit different (in that respect). I think it’s very early in terms of analysing our performances too much. It was a tough game in Kerala which it always is, for a lot of teams. But also, the rivalry that is between the two teams. So, (it was) not an easy game for us,” Grayson said in the pre-match press conference.
“After every game, we analyse what we need to do better in possession and out of possession. Wednesday night is going to be a really tough game for us. Mohun Bagan Super Giant have probably got the strongest squad in the league I think,” he added.
The Englishman is optimistic about performing at their best against the Mariners and showed faith in his group of players.
“We’ve got a good group of players, we’re confident in how pre-season has gone and looking forward to a tough game, but one that we know we can win if we perform to our capabilities,” said the Englishman.
Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Bengaluru FC on penalties in the final of the previous season of the ISL.
“Whatever happened in the past is history. But now it’s about moving forward. And hopefully, we can do what we did last year in Kolkata when we came here and won,” he stated.
“We want to be hard to play, and to show flair and attacking ability to try and hurt the opposition. So the right balance of keeping clean sheets and also asking questions in the attacking third,” added Grayson.
