BENGALURU: After each passing game, one can sense an improvement in Bengaluru FC’s performance, especially in the attacking third. The new players did take time to settle down, but things are working well as was witnessed in their 4-2 win over Kerala Blasters in the last game. After a few draws initially, they have managed two wins in their last three contests. In the process, they have managed nine goals, which is the best in the ISL so far. They will be keen to carry on that impressive form as they face Odisha FC at GMC Stadium on Thursday.
New strikers Cleiton Silva and Kristian Opseth are showing signs of understanding and have started to link well with their teammates. If the former has two goals to his name, the latter came up with his best game in the Blues jersey in their last game against Kerala. Sunil Chhetri also impressed while Dimas Delgado has been instrumental in the midfield. If Bengaluru FC are to have a great season ahead, these set of players need to come up with consistent performances.
In the first couple of games, their attackers lacked colour. Head Coach Carles Cuadrat believes that with time, they have got better. They will be a big threat against Odisha too. “Any kind of football is special. It has its own speed, tempo and situations. All the players need some time to adjust. When you are a foreigner and arriving into a country, it takes time. Kristian and Cleiton took time to adjust and you can see that game after game they are getting better in terms of coordination,” said the Spaniard, who is aware of the threat Odisha will possess.
Odisha, who lie second last on the table, might have been a major disappointment, failing to record a single win, but they will be hungry to get their first full points of the season. If they are to have any chance of challenging for the top four, there is a serious need for them to bring their A game in the matches ahead and climb up the table.
But, they will have to improve on all areas of the game. They have conceded seven goals and only scored two, which is not a good return for any side. Offensively, they have just 45 shots on goal, which is the second lowest in the competition as well. Odisha head coach Stuart Baxter wants the team to make good use of the ball when in possession.
“Certainly, we need to do better as a team. Those small things in critical phases of the game, that decides the game, we have to do that better. Also certainly we need to be better at extending our attacks, to make them longer based on being better in possession. The longer attacks, if we can gain momentum and take momentum away from the opposition, it is going to help us,” said Baxter.