I-League Media

BENGALURU: Bengaluru FC, after their abysmal show on the road, finally come back to their backyard to taking on the debutantes Minerva Punjab FC at the Shree Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore tomorrow (February 11, 2017).

The hosts are going through a mid-season slump. They are back home after a tough away journey where they failed to register single a win in three games. Minerva Punjab is coming with a morale-boosting win and draw back home.

Incidentally, both teams locked horns a few days back in the semi-final of the Nike Premier Cup, where the Punjabi outfit came out as the winner to reach the final to defend their title. Bengaluru FC coach Roca agreed that his team is down for now, but fortunate that the slump has happened at an early stage of the league, so there is enough time to retrieve and come back in the title race.

“We need to keep fighting because that’s the first thing we need to do. It is all about mentality and positive attitude and we’re prepared for the game. We’re eager to win!” stated the Spaniard.

The Steelmen received a jolt in the absence of central defender duo, John Johnson and Juanan, who are out for tomorrow’s match owing to suspension by the AIFF disciplinary committee after their away game against Churchill Brothers.

“I’m confident about the players who will be there tomorrow on the pitch, we’ve to face the situation, which at present, might not be in our favour. We have to be there and try to do our best!” remarked Roca.

BFC is yet to find a replacement of Roby Norales, who, after having a shorter stint with the Blues, was loaned out to Ozone FC. Roca is hopeful about getting the fourth foreigner’s slot filled next week.

After collecting a point in their away first game against Chennai City FC, Minerva Punjab FC had a dry run in their next three fixtures. The team have finally got some momentum after a draw and a much-needed win over Mumbai FC.

Minerva coach, Surinder Singh said, “Team is doing well and they are slowly coming together, we are looking for a positive result.”

“Even a draw would do for us, considering this is our away match. Something is always better than nothing”, quipped coach, who believes in taking each match at a time.

The match is scheduled at 07:00 pm and will be telecast live on Ten 2.