Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza expressed both frustration and optimism as his side prepared to begin their AIFF Super Cup campaign against Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday.
The Spaniard lamented the team’s disrupted preparations ahead of the 2025–26 season, which saw Bengaluru begin pre-season much later than usual. “We started the season or the pre-season in September – something that is not so nice, not good for the players or for a professional club. But it is what it is. Finally, we could start more or less on September 15,” Zaragoza told reporters on the eve of the match.
The coach revealed that the Blues managed just six to seven weeks of pre-season training, further shortened by international call-ups. Despite those challenges, Zaragoza maintained confidence in his squad’s readiness. “I’m happy with what I saw in the training, the friendly matches and how the team prepared. We are ready to go and start to compete,” he added.
Bengaluru FC, along with several Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, had paused preparations earlier this year amid uncertainty surrounding the men’s top-flight league. Only after a Supreme Court verdict in September did most clubs resume full operations, with Odisha FC being the lone exception to maintain continuity.
Their first opponents, Mohammedan Sporting, arrive in Goa amid severe financial strain. The iconic Kolkata club is reportedly battling salary delays and administrative instability, forcing them to travel with a reserve-heavy squad. The imbalance in resources makes Thursday’s fixture a classic David versus Goliath contest.
However, Zaragoza cautioned against complacency, recalling how Bengaluru had been stunned by lower-league sides in past Super Cup editions, including a defeat to Inter Kashi and a loss to Mohammedan Sporting in Kolkata. Determined to avoid a repeat, the coach outlined a more aggressive tactical approach.
“We want to play more direct football – overcome lines faster and attack the goal with fewer passes,” he explained. “Last season, we were solid defensively, but we needed to create more chances and finish better. That’s something we’ve focused on in pre-season.”
Earlier in the day, Kerala Blasters will also kick off their campaign against Rajasthan United in Bambolim. While Rajasthan aim to script a fairytale under returning coach Vikrant Sharma, the Blasters will rely on new signings and captain Adrian Luna’s leadership to mount a serious title charge. “Regardless of who is called the favourite, in the end, it’s 11 against 11,” Luna said. “We have to show a strong personality, strong belief in the team, and a winning mentality.”
