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We faltered at the last step, rues Roca

Last Updated 17 March 2018, 18:55 IST

One man's disappointment is another's joy and that saying was evident at the post-match press conference after Chennaiyin FC beat Bengaluru FC to win their second Indian Super League title here on Saturday.

A downcast Albert Roca expressed his disappointment at not being able to cross the final hurdle but said he was immensely proud of what his side has achieved in their inaugural campaign.

"It has been almost outstanding. But it just wasn't our day and we ended up faltering at the last step," said the Spaniard.

"Many things happened in the game. We just did not have enough strength to come back into the game when it was possible. But yes, it's difficult when you are under pressure," he added.

For BFC, it was a cruel end to the season where they ended their league engagements eight points ahead of next best Chennaiyin. An aspect of their game that has given them great success is their set-piece techniques but Roca's men were at the receiving end in the title bout as Mailson Alves buried two headers from corners.

"All through the season, we have been good with the set-pieces, but today in the final we conceded two. We have been punished like no one had done in the league stage. They were successful in that aspect. It was a punch for us. When we felt we had control of the situation at the moment, they struck. One of our best players (Dimas Delgado) was injured and we defended with one player less," reflected Roca.

"Probably it is my mistake for pulling out Delgado and defending with 10 men at that moment. As a coach, I accept the responsibility."

His opposite number John Gregory was overwhelmed by the events adding that it hadn't sunk in fully as yet. Celebrations are definitely in order for the ISL champs but Gregory maintained that it just might be low key.

"I have no idea. I know we'll certainly celebrate at the hotel tonight. As you get older, you enjoy these moments so much better when you are sober. I might just have a Corona," he quipped.

"It hasn't sunk in as yet. When we came over back in September, we had wishes to be in this situation. I kinda never thought it would happen. And it kept developing. Now we're champions of the ISL. I will enjoy and tomorrow, it may sink. I might even cry. That will still come at some stage."

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(Published 17 March 2018, 18:36 IST)

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