Bengaluru: BFC head coach Albert Roca has no misconceptions about the challenge posed by defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim when the two sides square off at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in their AFC Cup semifinal second leg on Wednesday.
“They are obviously the favourites. But it is a nice opportunity for us. We are in this second leg with a good result and can try to make the final. It’s not going to be easy but we are ready,” said Roca during the pre-match press conference.
“For Indian football, it’s one of the most important games in history. Only two teams before have achieved the semifinals and not one has made it to the final. For me, I try to be calm so that I can pass the same to the team and that they are not over stimulated,” he added.
The Spaniard also revealed that the away goal, while an advantage, will not make any difference to how the team will approach the match. “Our intention is to attack. If we are trying just to defend our results, it will not be enough. We have to be brave.
They have not just good foreigners, but good Malaysian players in their side. All of them play for the national team too. We are playing at home and our supporters will be here. Circumstances favour us but this is a difficult game,” he remarked adding that JDT missing their top three strikers doesn’t give his side any big advantage.
Scared about the referee: Gomez
Meanwhile, Johor coach Mario Gomez touched on a conspiracy against his team lamenting the referees’ treatment towards his wards in the previous games.
“Every time the rival team fouled behind, no problem but when we do it, then yellow card,” stressed Gomez.
“In our match against South China where we drew 1-1 this happened. We got six yellow cards. Every time our foreigners get the card. When we played the last match we had 10 players on the limit and again tomorrow it is six. This is not normal.
“I’m not stupid. I know what’s going on. I have four champions league titles. When a referee makes mistakes it’s ok. But I don’t want these mistakes to happen tomorrow,” lamented the Argentine. When asked if he was hinting corruption, Gomez explained.
“I never talk about that word (corruption) because I don’t know. I don’t have proof. If the referee makes mistakes, that’s ok but only clean mistakes. We know BFC are a very strong team and are very strong in defence. But we have 90 minutes to score that one goal. Patience is key. But we are scared about the referee.”
