Albert Roca: 'Super Cup win will cap off a brilliant season'

Roca didn't want to pin the success of the season based on the outcome of the final, at the Kalinga Stadium, on Friday.

Published : Apr 19, 2018 22:10 IST , Bhubaneswar

 Albert Roca felt Bengaluru FC’s centre-back was not 100% ready. (File Photo)
Albert Roca felt Bengaluru FC’s centre-back was not 100% ready. (File Photo)
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Albert Roca felt Bengaluru FC’s centre-back was not 100% ready. (File Photo)

Bengaluru FC coach was keen to put the ghosts of the Indian Super League (ISL) final in the past before his side's meeting with East Bengal, in the decider of the Super Cup.

The Blues lost to Chennaiyin FC, at its home ground, in March. "We have to forget the ISL final now. We played really well to finish at the top of the table. However, the rules gave the other teams an opportunity to win, which is usually not the case in a league system," Bengaluru coach, Albert Roca, told reporters, here, on Thursday.

However, he didn't want to pin the success of the season based on the outcome of the final, at the Kalinga Stadium, on Friday. "It will be a dream come true, to win all games, to win the title. First of all, what's important is that the name of Bengaluru FC is in the headlines because our performances have been good.”

READ: Rapid Udanta happy assisting BFC's success

"What happens tomorrow (Friday) will not change the fact that we have been the most consistent side in Indian football, this season. The trophy (Super Cup) will cap off a brilliant season and we're all working really hard for that," said the 55-year-old, whose side still remains in the group stages of the AFC Cup.

The heat in Bhubaneswar has been a talking point, right through the tournament. Bengaluru's Juanan (sick) and East Bengal's Dudu Omagbemi (hamstring) and Gurwinder (sick) have faced the brunt of the harsh conditions, over the last few days.

Roca felt his centre-back was not 100% ready, and added, "To have one less day than East Bengal, to recover, isn't a good thing, especially in these conditions. Let’s see, if we can overcome our problems."

While analysing his opponent, in the final, the Spaniard singled out opposition attackers Katsumi Yusa and Mahmoud Al-Amnah for praise.

ALSO READ: Super Cup: Bagan lets game slip as Roca rings in the changes

Jamil hopeful of Dudu's recovery

Dudu remains a doubtful starter for the Cup final, after pulling his hamstring during the semifinal, on Monday. "Maybe, Dudu will be fine to play in the final," said East Bengal coach, Khalid Jamil.

The former midfielder has a good track record, from his time as a manager at Mumbai FC and Aizawl FC, and is counting on his wits. "It’s the last game of the season. No doubt, Bengaluru is a good team, but, we must concentrate on our team. One mistake could prove costly in the final," said the 40-year old.

Red and Golds' centre-back Eduardo Ferreira emphasised on focusing better, to get the better of BFC's attackers. "We will do same as last game (FC Goa), but, with more concentration. I know they are very good players. They are one of the best teams in the country, with a good coach and management," said Ferreira.

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