Bengaluru coach Albert Roca cautious, self- critical ahead of 'tough mission' against Johor

BENGALURU FC HEAD COACH Albert Roca cautioned against complacency and stressed that it will be a stern test for the Blues tomorrow when they walk out to face Johor Darul Ta'zim in the second leg of the AFC Cup semi-finals,

"Johor are still the champions. They're still favourites, for me. But this is a nice opportunity for us. It won't be easy, it's a tough mission, but we're ready for that."

BFC held Johor 1-1 in the first leg and hence have an away goal advantage going into tomorrow's game. But Roca said that wasn't going to be enough for them,

"Yes, we've scored an away goal. That's important. But I think we'll have to score one or two more goals to reach the final. If we just try to defend we won't be in the final."

Roca, former Barcelona assistant manager, took over from Ashley Westwood this summer. And his first home game, an AFC Cup quarter final tie, was played behind closed doors. Playing in front of the fans, he said, may make a big difference tomorrow,

"Last time, we had to play in an empty stadium. This time, our fans will be there. So things may be different on the pitch. Johor are a very competitive side, so it will be a difficult game for us."

Although the tight-knit brand of football that Roca has had BFC play has worked so far, but that does not make the coach less aware of the parts that still need polishing, 

"We have defended well. But we haven't scored enough. But we know that there are many in the team who can score. So it's important for us to establish that in the game. Tomorrow is an opportunity to do just that."

When asked about the 3 major strikers that Johor will be missing tomorrow due to suspension, Roca insisted that it would be a folly to assume this would put the home team at advantage,

"No, it will be a mistake for us to think that this game will be easier. The substitutes they will bring in are experienced and have played for the national team. So we must be vigilant and not make any mistakes."

Finally, asked to elaborate about the change in playing style that Bengaluru FC have had under their new coach, Roca said his jo was not to alter established systems in the team but to get the best out of his players,

"It's not about changing systems. It's about the rhythm of the game... the players I have are talented but they haven't developed the habit to play pressing football against big international opponents like this. So over the past two and a half months I have been trying to get them used to that sort of a rhythm, moving up harder, running further... it's a very physical process for them. We're trying to get to a place where the scenario will be that if we keep the ball long enough, we'll make sure to score."

Under Roca, Bengaluru FC have played 3 matches, scored 2 goals, conceded one and lost none. And all of these have been culmination-level games at the AFC Cup. If Roca can hold onto his unbeaten record tomorrow, it may result in India having one of its clubs in the AFC Cup final for the very first time.