Bengaluru FC Coach Gerard Zaragoza Rallies Fans for East Bengal Clash
Bengaluru FC head coach Gerard Zaragoza has called on the city to support the team as they return to Indian Super League action against East Bengal FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.
The Blues, who have signed several players over the summer, aim to start the season positively after exiting the Durand Cup at the semifinal stage. Zaragoza said, “We’re up against East Bengal, who are a good team with quality players, but now is the time for this city to come and support us. During the summer, the owners, Darren (Caldeira, BFC Director of Football) and I have worked hard to bring in the kind of players that our supporters wanted, those who will fight for this badge, and I’m looking forward to seeing a packed stadium to support them.”
Bengaluru will rely on the firepower of attackers Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Edgar Mendez, and the experience of Rahul Bheke in defense. All three are summer signings aimed at bolstering the Blues’ chances in the 2024-25 Indian Super League season. Zaragoza added, “We’re really glad with the work we have done over the summer. Our idea was to bring in players who understand our philosophy, want to contribute and fight for the club. We also wanted to bring in leaders, like Rahul (Bheke), who know what it means to play for BFC. Their support and guidance will be vital to all the younger players coming through the ranks, too.”
East Bengal FC has also strengthened their squad with new signings, including French attacking midfielder Madih Talal, midfielder Jeakson Singh, and striker Dimitrios Diamantakos. Zaragoza confirmed that his squad is fit, except for young attacker Shivaldo Singh, who is out for a month with a knock.
The match between Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC is scheduled to kick off at 7.30 pm IST and will be broadcast live on JioCinema and Sports18.
Doubts Revealed
Bengaluru FC -: Bengaluru FC is a football (soccer) team based in Bengaluru, India. They play in the Indian Super League, which is a professional football league in India.
Gerard Zaragoza -: Gerard Zaragoza is the head coach of Bengaluru FC. A coach is someone who trains and leads the team.
East Bengal FC -: East Bengal FC is another football team in India. They are also part of the Indian Super League.
Indian Super League -: The Indian Super League (ISL) is a professional football league in India where different teams from various cities compete against each other.
Sree Kanteerava Stadium -: Sree Kanteerava Stadium is a large sports stadium in Bengaluru, India, where football matches and other events are held.
Jorge Pereyra Diaz -: Jorge Pereyra Diaz is a football player who recently joined Bengaluru FC. He plays as a forward, which means he tries to score goals.
Edgar Mendez -: Edgar Mendez is another new player for Bengaluru FC. He plays in the midfield, helping both in attack and defense.
Rahul Bheke -: Rahul Bheke is an Indian football player who has joined Bengaluru FC. He usually plays as a defender, trying to stop the other team from scoring.
Madih Talal -: Madih Talal is a new player for East Bengal FC. He plays in the midfield, helping his team in both attack and defense.
Jeakson Singh -: Jeakson Singh is an Indian football player who has joined East Bengal FC. He is known for his strong defensive skills.
Dimitrios Diamantakos -: Dimitrios Diamantakos is a new player for East Bengal FC. He plays as a forward, aiming to score goals for his team.
7.30 pm IST -: 7.30 pm IST means 7:30 in the evening according to Indian Standard Time, which is the time zone used in India.
JioCinema -: JioCinema is an online streaming service in India where you can watch movies, TV shows, and live sports.
Sports18 -: Sports18 is a TV channel in India that broadcasts live sports events, including football matches.
