Albert Roca on Maziya: We know our strengths and their weaknesses

IT IS A MUST-WIN FOR BENGALURU FC in the last round of the AFC Cup group stage. Nothing short of a win is good enough to keep Bengaluru FC's AFC Cup dream alive.

Roca along with Lyngdoh were at the pre-match press conference.

Summing up the season, Roca said the ride was not smooth and are geared to do well in the AFC campaign. He stated,

"It's been a tough season but we've prepared for this finish. The players want to end this season well and I know they can. The Federation Cup win gives us confidence. We want to stay alive in Asia and it is important that the players and supporters know this."

Providing a status update on the experienced Sunil Chhetri, Roca said,

"The only improvement at the moment is that Sunil Chhetri is ready. Him and Vineeth will be fit which is a good thing for us"

Bengaluru FC are the runners-up of last season. If they are to progress into the next stage of the competition, all three points must be secured in this game. Knowing the situation, the BFC Head Coach commented,

"The supporters are going to demand an effort from us and we know it is not going to be easy. I have asked my players to show ambition."

Midfielder Lyngdoh was present alongside the coach. Sharing his thoughts on the preparation, when asked he said,

"We'll prepare for this game like every other game that we do. We're looking forward to winning and to going to the next round of this."

Speaking on the team selection and Lyngdoh, Roca mentioned that rotation of players must take place in a team with equal strengths and further added,

"Eugene is a very important player, but in a system that has so much competition between players, rotation is quite normal. When Eugene is fit and at his normal best, he is quality and a sure starter in this side."

Maziya S&R, who managed to keep the score goalless for a major part of game the last time both teams played, need just a point to secure qualification to the next round. Asked to share his assessment on the opposition, Roca commented,

"Maziya has a really organised team. They have quality on the counter and so we have to go for the win from the first minute. A lot has changed since we faced them and it is the first time we are against them at home. We know our strengths and their weaknesses."