Bengaluru FC Coach Renedy Singh Stresses Maximum Effort in Shortened ISL Season
In Bengaluru, the message from Bengaluru FC head coach Renedy Singh was unequivocal and resounding: "Give your 100 per cent and push till the final whistle." With the Indian Super League season condensed to just 13 matches per team, there is absolutely no margin for error, making every game a critical battle for points and positioning.
Early Season Performance and Areas for Improvement
The Blues have started the campaign with a respectable four points from their first two outings, securing one victory and one draw. However, as they gear up to host Punjab FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Friday, coach Renedy Singh has identified significant room for enhancement, particularly in defensive solidity.
Despite conceding only one goal so far, Bengaluru FC has appeared vulnerable when defending set pieces, a weakness that could prove costly against a determined Punjab side. The availability of India defender Rahul Bheke remains uncertain due to a knee niggle, placing additional pressure on the backline to elevate their performance. While clinical finishing in the final third is also essential, Renedy has prioritized shoring up the defense as a top priority.
"Our defending has to be a lot better," Renedy asserted. "All the chances that the opponent created so far were from throw-ins, corners, and free kicks. We have to improve on our set-piece defending, which is a big part in football."
Bengaluru's Strengths and Key Players
Bengaluru FC holds a potential advantage playing at home, bolstered by a roster of established talents. Key players such as Ashique Kuruniyan, Naorem Roshan, Chinglensana Singh, and Ryan Williams provide depth and experience. The inclusion of former India captain Sunil Chhetri, who has featured as a substitute in both matches, along with new signing Braian Sanchez, adds further firepower, making BFC a formidable opponent on paper.
Nevertheless, Renedy Singh is focused less on theoretical advantages and more on tangible effort from his squad. "I want our players fighting out for every single ball, defending and attacking well," the 46-year-old coach emphasized. "We have to play as if tomorrow is the last match. If the players give 100 per cent, then I'm ready to take whatever result."
Punjab FC's Challenge and Recent Form
On the opposing side, Punjab FC is eager to secure their first points of the season after a narrow 0-1 loss to Jamshedpur FC. Known as the Shers, Punjab previously knocked out Bengaluru FC in the Super Cup and will rely heavily on the attacking prowess of Effiong Nsungusi and the midfield creativity of Dani Ramírez to breach the Blues' defense.
In other ISL action, FC Goa secured a 1-0 victory over Sporting Delhi on Thursday, with Dejan Drazic scoring the lone goal in the 43rd minute. Today's fixtures include East Bengal versus Jamshedpur at 5 pm, followed by the highly anticipated clash between Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC at 7:30 pm.
