Early preparation for ISL will help: Roca

Albert Roca, coach of two-time Federation Cup winners and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) runners-up Bengaluru FC, on Friday said starting preparations early will help his team in the fourth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL).

When other teams were making their strategy, Bengaluru FC were busy playing the AFC Cup.

Roca said playing more matches before the ISL will help his side.

"We are in rhythm, we have started the preparations early and also played many pre-season matches. We have a slight advantage," the Spaniard said at media day here.

"Our team is rated as one of the best teams in India. We have the players like Sunil Chhetri. So we are very positive and will look to take that three crucial points," Roca added.

Bengaluru will play their opening match on November 19 against Mumbai City FC. When asked whether his team has an advantage due to home conditions, the Spanish coach said: "Yes, we have an advantage but these are the factors we don't consider that much."

"We know winning each match in the league will be difficult but we are balanced and we know we will perform against Mumbai, which is a strong team."

--IANS

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