By Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay,
AIFF Media Team

DOHA: Bengaluru FC have shown great mettle to take the fight to the biggies of the Asian superpowers and the AFC Cup final is just the starting of a new era, as exuded by their gaffer Albert Roca in the post-match press conference minutes after the AFC Cup Final 2016 where Air Force Club breezed past JSW Bengaluru FC by a solitary goal, scored by Hammad Ahmadi Abdullah who was bestowed with the most valuable player of the tournament trophy.

“Yes, we have lost out on certain points tonight. They have played a great football tonight, but my boys have shown what they are capable of  and it might indicate a start of a new era of Indian Football”, gaffer opined.

Meanwhile, the Spanish coach wished Air Force Club for being crowned with the coveted AFC Cup trophy and he termed it ‘as a well-deserved win for them.’

He continued, “They played a terrific brand of football and I congratulate them from the bottom of my heart for winning the AFC Cup, that becomes more special as they are the first club from Iraq to achieve this.”

Although he admitted that their Iraqi counterparts outplayed them, he lauded his boys’ effort tonight, especially the goalie Ralte.

“He has always pushed Amrinder for the place in the starting eleven, and he truly performed and stood up when the situation demanded.”

On being asked whether this result will have much impact in the Indian Football, he rightly mentioned ‘it might trigger a new era of Indian Football.’

He added, “We didn’t play against such a strong opponents before and obviously we have learnt many a minute aspect from this match. It’ll help us prepare for future and we’ll come back stronger next season.”