BENGALURU: Bengaluru FC will look for another win in front of their fans in the Indian Super League, as they host Punjab FC under the lights at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday. The Blues will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run, but the "Shers," will be looking to bounce back after their narrow defeat to Jamshedpur FC away from home. The Blues sit at fifth while the visitors are at the foot of the table at 10th.
Punjab's Dani Ramirez has been the centre of the attack for the visitors, going by their performance against Jamshedpur last week. Strengthening the Shers' defence is Brazilian veteran Pablo Santos, whose leadership will be crucial in neutralising the Blues' creative threats.
Rahul Bheke, it is learnt may not take part on Friday's match as he is sideline due to injury. Bengaluru head coach Renedy Singh, hoped for a better show without the ball. "If we lose possession, the key question is how quickly we can win the ball back," the coach told on the eve of the match.
Another problem he pointed out is to defend set-pieces like freekicks and corners. "I want to see my players give their 100% and create more chances, winning the ball back soon in case we lose the ball while attacking. We are planning to implement tight man-marking within two yards of our opponents," he said.
He also expects the team to work their socks off, regardless of the opposition’s stature. "It doesn’t make a difference to me what the team looks like on paper," Renedy emphasized. "I want my players to play as if tomorrow is the last match and fight for every single ball on the field, in both defense and attack."
Bengaluru midfielder Lalremtluanga Fanai is relishing the role in the middle of the park. "I enjoy playing in this position. My role is very important as I need to link the defense and the attack and control the tempo of the game," Fanai noted. "I really appreciate the coach for trusting me with game time so far, and I want to give my best for the team."