"This is what I anticipate from him this season": BFC head coach comments on Sunil Chhetri's match-winning display
Bengaluru (Karnataka), September 20: Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza praised his captain, Sunil Chhetri, for his impressive performance off the bench, scoring twice in their 3-0 win against Hyderabad FC at Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
Chhetri's goals, along with an early strike from Rahul Bheke, helped the Blues secure their second consecutive victory of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season.
Bheke opened the scoring with a composed side-foot finish from a Vinith Venkatesh corner within the first five minutes. Although Hyderabad FC had a chance to respond shortly after, Devendra Murgaokar's effort went just over the crossbar. This was the closest the visitors came to challenging Bengaluru FC's defense as the home side maintained control of the match.
Chhetri increased Bengaluru FC's lead with a penalty in the 85th minute and capped off the victory with a brilliant diving header during stoppage time.
"Another win, three more points, and a clean sheet. We should be pleased because, at least for today, we're at the top of the table," Zaragoza remarked in the post-match press conference.
"Hyderabad FC played really well. They came here last season without any pressure, and under Thangboi Singto, they're doing a fantastic job. Many teams will find it tough against them, just like last season," he added.
Both Chhetri and Aleksandar Jovanovic, who started in the first match against East Bengal FC, made significant contributions after coming on as substitutes.
In addition to Chhetri's two goals, Jovanovic provided essential stability in defense, allowing the Blues to secure their second consecutive clean sheet for the first time since March 2023.
"It's crucial to have a bench that can influence the game. As a coach, that's ideal. The match lasts 90 minutes, and we need players who can contribute throughout the game as well as those who can come off the bench and make an impact," Zaragoza noted.
With his two goals, Chhetri has now become joint-highest scorer in ISL history with 63 goals, tied with Bartholomew Ogbeche.
Zaragoza emphasized Chhetri's unwavering determination and commitment to the game, even at this stage in his career.
"He wants to win everything and play every minute. He pushes me to field him, both in training and matches. But as you saw today, he played 30 minutes and scored two goals. This is Sunil Chhetri, and this is what I expect from him this season — to be the top Indian scorer again," the head coach stated.