Football

ISL 2023-24: Javi Hernandez’s goal worthy of winning any match – Simon Grayson

Bengaluru FC head coach Simon Grayson was delighted after their 2-1 win against East Bengal FC in the ongoing Indian Super League at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Mahesh Naorem Singh scored for the visitors in the 15th minute. However, the Blues captain Sunil Chhetri, who made a return to the squad after national commitment, got himself on the scoresheet as he converted from the spot kick in the 21st minute to level the score.

Subsequently, Bengaluru FC’s talisman Javi Hernandez scored a stunning goal in the 72nd minute to give a decisive lead to his team.

“We were a bit fragile defensively, we didn’t look that solid and we didn’t create loads and loads of chances but a goal to win any game has won it tonight. We made it too easy, we didn’t win enough challenges, we were a bit soft in that department but they were a good team. The result was the main thing tonight. I’ll analyse all the performances individually and collectively as a team but we just had to win a game tonight and I’m delighted that we have,” he stated in the post-match press conference.

Grayson also showered praise on Javi Hernandez, who continued his good show. The Spaniard had scored 11 goals in the previous season for the Blues and had played an instrumental role in taking the club to the final.

“He tries it probably every day in training. It doesn’t always have that end result, I can guarantee you that. I want you to credit him for trying it in the first place and then to finish it off is unbelievable. As I said, it’s worth it winning any football match, not just in the ISL but right around the world. He’s got that in his armoury. I’m delighted that he finished it off and he won us a game,” Grayson stated.

Grayson included Harsh Patre, Robin Yadav, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Namgyal Bhutia and Parag Shrivas.

Speaking on his decision to play five out-field players who all have come from the BFC Academy, Grayson said: “We made it conscious in the summer that we were going to reduce the age group of the players, there was more experienced players went out but we knew that we had this group underneath that were ready for the first team and there’s other younger players that didn’t even get on tonight. So I don’t care if you’re 35 or 18, 17 and you’re doing well in training, I’ll have the trust in them and I like to think they’ve got the trust in me and we can work together and have a bright future for them.”

Bengaluru FC will next take on FC Goa at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on 25th October.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Ravi Shastri says opening Test loss against England is a tough pill to swallow for India

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the opening Test loss against England is a… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says England batters’ approach made Jasprit Bumrah desperate for wickets in 2nd innings of 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes England batters were able to find a way… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says Karun Nair will be disappointed with his opening Test performance against England

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Karun Nair will be disappointed after he failed… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron criticizes Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron slammed Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in the opening Test match… Read More

June 26, 2025

Greg Chappell hails Rishabh Pant after ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test, says he is reinventing the game

Former Australian batter Greg Chappell has lavished praise on Rishabh Pant after the opening Test… Read More

June 26, 2025

Geoffrey Boycott slams Yashasvi Jaiswal for dropping catches in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test

Former England opener Sir Geoffrey Boycott criticized Yashasvi Jaiswal for dropping catches in the opening… Read More

June 26, 2025