Roca: ‘Emotional win for us’

Roca was relieved that Bengaluru rose to its potential to ride on C.K. Vineeth's extra-time brace and beat Mohun Bagan 2-0 in the final at the Barabati Stadium

Bengaluru FC goal keeper Amrinder Singh (Right) claimed man of the final award in the final match after making some important saves for his team

Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca said the Federation Cup title win was an emotional moment for the whole side following its disappointing campaign in the I-League.

Roca was relieved that Bengaluru rose to its potential to ride on C.K. Vineeth's extra-time brace and beat Mohun Bagan 2-0 in the final at the Barabati Stadium. “Sure (it is a very emotional moment). We have suffered a lot during the league. We did not play with Sunil (Chhetri) and Cameron (Watson) in the final; they are very important players. But we had good substitutes. It was a united team and today we showed that,” said Roca.

“We had a plan and it worked. The players executed the plan perfectly with no mistakes and we deserved to win today.”

The Spaniard shared that Bengaluru's injured striker Chhetri was present at the stadium to support the team.

Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, who kept his cool to dazzle under the bar and claim the man of the final award, said Chhetri boosted the morale of the side ahead of the title clash. “Sunil motivates us. Sunil is an essential part of our dressing room. Even today he told us that we have to win this title.”

Asked whether the Blues' would carry some confidence to their crucial AFC Cup group match against Maldives' outfit Maziya on May 31, Roca said, “Hope so. Unfortunately, we have lost two more strikers. Udanta Singh seems to have a muscle injury, so it is going to be almost impossible (for him) to be there. Let's see what happens with Vineeth (swollen ankle). Sunil is not there. Cornell Glen (who was hired for the Federation Cup) cannot participate in that game. We have Marjan (Jugovic) with a knee surgery. It is really difficult to find a solution but we are very confident. It is at home and we will do everything to pass to the next stage.”

Bagan coach Sanjay Sen said his team performed badly in the final. “When five or six of 11 players are out of form then it is very difficult to match a stronger opponent. The final is a different game, it has to be difficult. Feels bad that despite playing well throughout the year we did not get a trophy,” said Sen on Bagan's trophy-less season.