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Super Cup: Bengaluru FC begin campaign vs Gokulam Kerala in chase of silverware this season

Super Cup: Bengaluru FC look at the tournament as a chance for some silverware and begin campaign against Gokulam Kerala FC in Bhubaneswar.

By Aravind
Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca (right) and defender Nishu Kumar address the media on the eve of their Super Cup pre-quarterfinal against Gokulam Kerala FC in Bhubaneswar (Image: AIFF Media)

Bhubaneswar, March 31: Indian Super League finalists Bengaluru FC look forward to Gokulam Kerala FC test at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday (April 1) as they eye a Super Cup swoop in chase of silverware this season. Although the Spanish coach stated that his boys are ready for the challenge, he iterated that they're not under any pressure.

We are not done: ChhetriWe are not done: Chhetri

"There isn't much pressure, it's a challenge. We've put a lot of energy into the ISL and we had a good season. It was a shame not to win the title, but I think we showed how strong and consistent we can be," Roca said on the eve of the game.

Roca says the Super Cup tournament is a great chance for his team to wrap up the domestic season with a trophy. "It's always difficult to get back from a final and renew your hopes to win a title, but this is a big opportunity to win silverware and we'll be doing our best out there," he said.

Bengaluru FC are no strangers to Odisha - they clinched the Federation Cup last year beating Mohun Bagan in Cuttack, around 30 km from here. The two-time I-League champions will surely take inspiration from their previous win ahead of the Gokulam Kerala match. "We won the Federation Cup last time, so it's on our mind to win this title again," Roca added.

Nishu Kumar, the young agile Bengaluru FC defender, chipped in: "As a player, you go into any tournament wanting to win. Every time we go out to the pitch, we want to make sure we do our best, and that's the most important part."

Gokulam Kerala FC coach Bino George, on the other hand, said his team's initial target was to qualify for the Super Cup final rounds and they've already achieved that.

"Our primary target was to qualify for the final rounds and we did that. Now, we are up against Bengaluru FC. We are aware of their credibility, but we are not getting into the shell before the final whistle blows," the coach said.

"We have nothing to lose. We beat Northeast United FC in the qualifiers and we knew then who are we going to face in the next match. We are confident and we'll show our game on the pitch tomorrow," George added.

Muhammed Rashid, the youngster from the Kerala-outfit went on to say that locking their horns with JSW Bengaluru FC will provide them with added motivation to show their worth on the pitch.

"We all know about them and their past records. We are not getting intimidated at all. The match is going to be played on the pitch and we are ready for the tough tussle awaiting us tomorrow," he said.


Bengaluru FC vs Gokulam Kerala FC

Super Cup, Round of 16

Live from Kalinga Stadium

At 5 pm (Sunday, April 1)

On Star Sports 2 and Hotstar


Churchill Brothers vs Mohun Bagan

Live at 8 pm


Source: AIFF Media

Story first published: Saturday, March 31, 2018, 16:29 [IST]
Other articles published on Mar 31, 2018