I-League 2017: Bengaluru FC's Albert Roca - Chennai City will look to trouble us

Defending champions Bengaluru FC host I-League newcomers Chennai City FC at the Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. The Blues registered a comfortable 3-0 victory over Shillong Lajong in their opening fixture, thanks to dual strikes from 20-year-old Udanta Singh.

But coach Albert Roca believes that it won't be an easy game against the team from the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.  The Spaniard stated that the visitors have a bunch of experienced players with them who might pose a threat to his side.

''Chennai City may be a game old but their squad comprises of players who have competed in the I-League and they’re going to look to trouble us. This will be a tougher game than our first one. It’s important that we show the same desire as we did in our game against (Shillong) Lajong,'' commented the 54-year-old.

Bengaluru FC have made additions to their squad in Honduran striker Roby Norales and India international Sandesh Jhingan. However, Roca refused to give any indication as to their chances of featuring in the playing XI.

''The new boys are getting used to the system and I’m not keen on rushing them. We’re going to see how this goes,'' he mentioned.

Furthermore, the former defender gave no clear response on being asked about the attacking options he might opt to start with on Saturday.

''We play again on Wednesday and while we're looking to consolidate our team, there could be minor changes in certain positions,'' he explained.

As for newbies Chennai City, manager Robin Charles Raja sounded delighted with their start to the campaign. Raja asserted that Chennai fought hard in their maiden tie against Minerva Punjab and nearly won the match as well.

''We started our journey on a positive note. We came very close (to winning) in our home game,'' he discussed.

To add to it, the former Tamil Nadu coach claimed that his team needs time to settle in the tournament.

''My target is set, we look to do well in the next three-four fixtures. It will take two three games for the team to gel. We have players from all over the country. Just give me some time, we shall perform well,'' he concluded.