Cuadrat departs but issues remain for Bengaluru
Goa, December 08: It’s all over for Carles Cuadrat at Bengaluru FC. The former champions — it was Cuadrat who guided them to the title — took a bold call on Wednesday by deciding to part ways with the Spaniard. Interim coach Naushad Moosa is set to take over.
The decision by the management comes after the Blues suffered a comprehensive 1-3 defeat against Mumbai City FC. They were not only beaten but outplayed. The result also meant that Bengaluru lost three successive games for the first time in their history. Before going down to Mumbai, Bengaluru had also failed to score in two consecutive games for the first time ever.
But the cracks had been evident for Bengaluru since the start of the season, having bagged just 12 points from 9 matches this season. Last season, BFC ended third in the league despite scoring only 22 goals in 18 matches. The lack of creativity was a major concern as they struggled to score from open play. More than half of their goals came from set-pieces (14). But what aided them was a solid defensive unit that shipped just 13 goals from 18 matches, registering 11 clean sheets in the process.
This season, even that defensive prowess appears to have deserted them. They have conceded 12 goals, one less than last season’s tally and have kept just two clean sheets. Only the bottom three teams – East Bengal, Kerala Blasters, and Odisha FC – have conceded more. Seven of those goals came after the 60th-minute mark, perhaps a sign of their backline’s inability to deal with pressure.
Injuries did not help Cuadrat’s cause either. An injury to makeshift left-back Ashique Kuruniyan against Odisha further worsened Bengaluru’s defensive crisis. Kuruniyan’s pace and trickery on the left flank were missed with Cuadrat choosing to place his trust in the experienced Rahul Bheke over natural left-back Ajith Kumar in that position. Pratik Chaudhari took up Bheke’s role in central defence but is yet to settle in.
Upfront, Blues have appeared disjointed in attack and have struggled to create chances from open play once again. Nine of BFC’s 12 goals this campaign have come from set-pieces, emphasizing their dependence on dead-ball situations. A major reason for this has been the failure to replace a striker of Miku’s caliber. The Venezuelan was instrumental for the Blues when it came to both scoring goals and creating chances. In contrast, forwards Deshorn Brown and summer signing Kristian Opseth are yet to net a goal this season while captain Sunil Chhetri continues to shoulder the burden upfront. Just like last season, the talismanic striker remains Bengaluru’s leading scorer, having netted four goals this campaign.
Cuadrat may have gone but the issues that plagued his reign remain. Bengaluru will not have much time to address these issues as they face SC East Bengal on Saturday. They will have to find solutions by hook or crook if they are to remain alive in the race for the playoffs.
Credits: ISL Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: The resurgence of Raju Gaikwad
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…