BFC ready for Salgaocar

Will treat it as just another game: Chhetri

Two points separate them from what will be their second I-League title in three years of their existence. A superb feat? Well that’s what Bengaluru FC is known for now.

Ever since they won the league in their debut season, there has been no looking back for the Ashley Westwood side. They followed their debut season’s triumph with the Federation Cup win in the following year before losing their league crown in the dying moments of their final clash against Mohun Bagan.

And now Bengaluru once again have an opportunity to regain the league title. While a win against Salgaocar FC here on Sunday would crown the JSW-owned side as the champions of India once again; even if they end up dropping points here, the side can have another shot at glory when they take on Bagan a week from now.

So, how is the team gearing up for the all-important tie? “We’re trying our best to look at it as just another game,” said their skipper Sunil Chhetri.

“You know, when you start thinking about things that are yet to be achieved, it adds a bit of pressure. So our coaching staff, specially our gaffer (Ashley Westwood), has made sure that we prepare for this tie like any other and we as players are also trying our best to keep our heads down,” he added.

While they did have a flying start to the season -- winning three of their opening games -- the Bengaluru caravan hit a road block when they went down to Mumbai FC and Sporting Clube de Goa in the span of 10 days. Something Chhetri said was the turning point. “I think we started well. But the loss against Sporting where we went down 2-1 was the turning point,” he continued.

“Everyone of us got hammering post that game. Gaffer is a person who will tell you stuff on the face when it comes to football. He’ll tell you what needs to be rectified and thankfully everyone understands that and that helped us.”

Contrary to Bengaluru, their opponents for Sunday -- Salgaocar -- come on the back of a dismal run in the league. They have managed just four wins in their 14 games. But Chhetri isn’t the one who takes his opponents lightly. “I think they’ve (Salgaocar) improved a lot. When we played them (away) we should scored more. But now when I see them, they’re a different side. We have seen them in the past five matches, they’ve won three and drawn two. And now, I think, they’re eased up on the relegation front too. So it will be a challenge,” he pointed out.