Bengaluru FC’s Gerard Zaragoza says ISL final loss will make them stronger

Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza feels Indian Super League final 1-2 loss against Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium, Kolkata on Saturday will make them stronger.

Bengaluru FC were able to take the lead as Alberto Noguera scored an own goal in the 49th minute. The Mariners were able to equalize in the 72nd minute as Jason Cummings scored from a spot kick. Jamie Maclaren then scored the title-winning goal for the home team.

“I want to congratulate Mohun Bagan Super Giant. They are a great team. The difference between them and other teams is that they have two teams. The changes that they make can make a difference,” Zaragoza said after the match.

“But I feel for the fourth time in a row this season, we were better than them. We had everything under control. The penalty changed the match. In extra-time, my team went down and they went up (in performance). It’s normal. But congratulations to them. Mohun Bagan Super Giant deserve the season that they had,” he added.

The Spaniard added they want to shift their focus to the Super Cup now and they will look to bounce back stronger in the next season.

“We will go for the Super Cup now. We want to win the Super Cup,” he said.

“This defeat will make us stronger. If this season was tough to play against Bengaluru FC, next season it will be tougher. Next season, be ready for Bengaluru FC,” he added.

“Last season we lost 0-4 against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. One year later, we are in the final. That’s Bengaluru FC. We know how to learn and bounce back. We have reached four finals in ten years. But we will again be in the final because we are Bengaluru FC,” he continued.

Zaragoza was full of praise for his players after the end of the season.

“This season, I feel we played the best football in India, in attack and in defence. It’s not just me but it’s what people say. Next year the aim will be to do even better,” he concluded.