Bengaluru FC sign defender Sandesh Jhingan

Bengaluru FC Media 

Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC, on Sunday, announced the signing of Indian international defender Sandesh Jhingan on a one-year deal, ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. The 29-year-old, who most recently turned out for ATK Mohun Bagan, joined Simon Grayson’s squad for their open training session at the Bangalore Football Stadium, and is no stranger to the club, having turned out for the Blues in a loan spell during their Federation Cup winning 2016-17 season.

“There were a few factors that made the decision to come back to Bengaluru FC easy. I’ve spent a season here before and the amount of love and support I’ve received from the fans even after I’ve left, has been very special. I’ve played at the Kanteerava more than just a few times with the national team and Bengaluru, and the atmosphere has always been electric,” said Jhingan, after completing the formalities on his deal.

The AIFF Men’s Player of the Year for 2020-21, Jhingan started his football journey at the St. Stephen’s Academy before moving to I-League 2nd Division side United Sikkim in 2011. After two seasons in Sikkim, the first of which saw the side promoted to the I-League, Jhingan had a one-year spell at Mumbai FC before signing with ISL side Kerala Blasters in 2014. From the Blasters, Jhingan made three loan spells to I-League clubs; Sporting Clube de Goa (2015), DSK Shivajians (2016) and Bengaluru FC (2017). 

“The club has built a strong team this season and has never been short on ambition. They know how to win trophies. In addition to some quality new signings, players like Chhetri bhai, Gurpreet and Udanta have been here for a while now and we’re looking good as a unit. I’ve received tremendous support from everyone at the club ever since I put pen to paper, and I cannot wait to get started and help us achieve all our targets for the season,” added Jhingan.

Jhingan has been capped at youth and senior level for the Indian National Team, having made his bow for the tricolor with India U23s at the 2014 Asian Games. Since his debut for the senior team, the center-back has made 46 appearances for India, scoring four times in the process. At club level, Jhingan has 107 appearances across seven seasons in the Indian Super League.

Club Director, Parth Jindal said, “We’ve been through a very sure process of strengthening this team with the right kind of signings, and Sandesh Jhingan fits right into our plans. He’s been a Bengaluru player once before, has won a trophy with us and has the kind of mentality, leadership qualities and fight, that this team needs at the moment. 

“We’re also glad that we could turn his signing and unveiling into a little surprise for the fans at the club’s open training session on Sunday, and going by their reaction, we know how much this means to them.” 

In 2021, Jhingan signed a five-year deal with ATK Mohun Bagan, guiding his side to the final of the Indian Super League where they would go down to Mumbai City FC. At the end of his first season, Jhingan signed a deal with Croatian Nogotmetna Liga side HNK Sibenik, making him the first Indian to play professionally in Croatia.

Jhingan represents the latest in a string of new signings by Bengaluru under Head Coach Simon Grayson, with the side having acquired the services of Javi Hernandez, Roy Krishna, Prabir Das, Hira Mondal and Aleksandar Jovanovic among others. 

Speaking on the signing, Grayson said, “We have a squad that possesses experienced leaders, and Sandesh fits right into the role. We’re glad to have him on board, and hope to use his quality and experience to help us through what we’re hoping is a successful season for this football club.” 

Bengaluru FC begin their 2022-23 campaign with a Group A clash against Jamshedpur FC in the 131st Edition of the Durand Cup, on August 17.

 

Bengaluru FC sign right-back Prabir Das from Mohun Bagan

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Monday, announced the signing of right-back Prabir Das from Mohun Bagan on a three-year-deal set to run until the end of the 2024-25 season. Das, a product of the Pailan Arrows Youth Academy, brings with him the experience of having played for a number of clubs, and has won the Federation Cup and Indian Super League.

“I am very happy at having signed for Bengaluru FC because this is a football club that I have admired for a while now. I have played at the Kanteerava and the atmosphere is always high-energy, and I am waiting to experience it while wearing the Bengaluru shirt. I am eager to play a big part in bringing back the success that this club is used to and I am grateful to the owners and management for showing faith in me, and for wanting me to be a part of their ambitions,” said Das, after completing the formalities on his deal.

Following a breakthrough 2012-13 season with Arrows, Das moved to Dempo and then went on loan to FC Goa and Delhi Dynamos in the inaugural editions of the Indian Super League. Having signed with I-League side Mohun Bagan in 2015, the 28-year-old has spent the last seven years in Kolkata with ATK and Mohun Bagan. 

“Prabir is a player we had set our sights on for some time now, and we’re happy to  have him commit his future to Bengaluru FC. Having a plethora of talent on the left, what the team needed was strengthening on the right. With Prabir and his experience, BFC have found a trusted and able player who makes us stronger. We are confident we can give Prabir the platform to excel and get back to the national team, while helping Bengaluru FC achieve its goal of getting back to where we belong – right at the top,” said club Director, Parth Jindal.

In the 2019-20 campaign, Das recorded the joint-highest assists by a defender with five, eventually winning the title with ATK. With Mohun Bagan, Das made 39 appearances over the last two seasons. 

Das has been capped at the National level, having made his debut for the India U19s in the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers against Turkmenistan. In 2015, he made his India U23 debut against Syria in an AFC U23 Championship qualifier. 

Bengaluru FC appoints Simon Grayson as Head Coach

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru  FC, on Wednesday, announced the appointment of Englishman Simon Grayson as the club’s Head Coach ahead of the 2022-23 season, on a two-year contract. Grayson, who has over 500 appearances as a player in England’s top divisions, moved into management in 2004 and has since overseen the promotion of four teams in the English Division, in a managerial career that has spanned across 728 games and seven clubs. 

“Coming to India was a possibility that I had looked into two years ago. But the pandemic put all things on hold. When the chance came across again, I was excited to look into it. This presents a new opportunity in my football career and it is one that really excites me,” said Grayson, after completing the formalities on his deal.

“When I spoke to the owner, his mindset was the same as mine. I want this club to be winning trophies again. I am aware that BFC has been very successful in the past but the last few years haven’t worked out like everybody would have liked it to. That happens in football - you learn from it and strive to do better - to get players to work harder on the pitch and off the pitch; that’s the exciting part for me,” said Grayson.

Grayson, who hails from North Yorkshire, has overseen the promotion of four teams in the English Division; Blackpool in 2007, Leeds United in 2010, Huddersfield Town in 2012 and Preston North End in 2015. He had short spells at Sunderland, Bradford City and Blackpool before most recently taking charge of Fleetwood Town in League One. 

The fifty-two-year-old said he was impressed by the little he’s managed to see of the team from last season, and is confident that the blend of youth and experience in the Blues’ ranks will serve as a good base from where the club can build. 

“BFC have some very good young players coming through from the academy and hopefully they’ve learned from their minutes in the first team last season. I truly believe that they can be a massive asset to the football club, and coupled with the players who join, I think this is the perfect opportunity for me, especially because it will be a football season with the supporters. I’m coming not just to spend a period of time learning football in a different country. I’m coming here to win trophies at what is a fantastic football club,” added Grayson. 

As a player, Grayson came through the youth ranks at Leeds United, moving on to Leicester City in 1992, where he made over 220 appearances across five seasons. With Leicester, he secured promotion to the Premier League as captain and also won the English League Cup in 1997, scoring in the semifinal against Wimbledon.

Speaking on the appointment of Grayson, Bengaluru FC Director, Parth Jindal said,

“We are delighted to have landed Simon, who is experienced and successful as both – a player and a manager. His records, in what are extremely competitive and difficult divisions in English football, speak for itself. I had meetings with him in London, and it was evident that he shared our vision and desire to bring Bengaluru FC back where it belongs.”

In 2004, while still a player for Blackpool in League One, Grayson moved into a coaching role with the Seasiders’ reserve squad. Two years later, Grayson called time on a playing career that spanned over two decades to focus on management.

“Simon has a great ability to work with young players and bring the best out of them, as well as a very strong sense of how to get the best out of experienced players. The Bengaluru FC team that we are building is a mix of experience and youth, and I believe Simon is the right man to bring the best out of them,” added Jindal.

Bengaluru FC CEO Mandar Tamhane said that Grayson’s experiences as both a player and manager played a vital role in his appointment, with the 52-year-old serving as a captain on several occasions in his playing career. “Grayson comes with vast experience as a leader, having captained Blackpool and Leicester in his playing days. The fact that he has seen four clubs promoted while in charge as manager speaks volumes about his managerial prowess. His experiences as a player and manager made him the right candidate, and we’re excited about what the future holds for this football club,” said Tamhane.

 

Bengaluru FC sign Brazilian midfielder Bruno Ramires

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Saturday, confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Bruno Edgar Silva Almeida, more commonly known as Bruno Ramires, on a two-year deal that will run until the end of the 2022-23 season. Ramires, who most recently played for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Belenenses SAD, is Marco Pezzaiuoli’s ninth signing of the summer.

A product of the Bahia Youth Academy, Ramires turned out for Brazilian sides Vitoria and Cruzeiro before making his first team debut for the latter in 2014. With Cruzeiro, Ramires was part of the team that secured the Brazilian domestic double in 2014, winning the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A and Campeonato Mineiro.

“I am very happy to have signed with Bengaluru FC. It’s a new challenge for me and I hope to have a good season with my new teammates. My primary target is to fight for trophies with this club, because I know this team has a winning mentality. I want to work hard with my new teammates, play as much as I can and contribute to the team in the best possible way,” Ramires said after completing formalities.

After a loan spell at Portuguese side Moreirense, Ramires returned to Brazil and plied his trade at Centro Sportivo Alagoano in 2019. A year later, Ramires joined Portuguese LigaPro side Feirense, before making a transfer to Belenenses in the Primeira Liga for an undisclosed fee in 2020. At Belenenses, Ramires made 32 appearances across all competitions, as the side finished 10th in the League.

Speaking on the signing, Bengaluru coach Marco Pezzaiuoli said, “Bruno is a young, influential and a very versatile player who can play in many positions in the midfield. He makes his presence felt on both ends of the pitch, and with his experiences playing in Brazil and the Portuguese First Division, I am sure he will help what is a relatively young squad. His signing will lend the team solidity as we look forward to the Indian Super League season.” 

Ramires will join the squad for pre-season training ahead of their upcoming Indian Super League campaign.

 

Bengaluru FC sign I-League top-scorer Bidyashagar

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC have bolstered their attacking line up with the signing of Bidyashagar Singh on a three-year contract, the club announced on Wednesday. The 23-year-old Manipuri becomes the eighth signing of the summer, and joins the Blues ahead of the upcoming AFC Cup playoff stage clash against Eagles FC.

Bidyashagar, who came through the Tiddim Road Athletic Union FC youth system, joined East Bengal in 2016. He first came into prominence when he took the Kolkata side’s U18 team to the finals of the 2016-17 U18 I-League, scoring six goals, including in both semifinals and final. He was promoted to the senior team and made his mark in the 2019 Durand Cup, even scoring twice in a 2-1 win over the Blues in the group stage.

“Signing for Bengaluru FC is like a dream come true for me. Now that I am here, I want to achieve more for the club and for myself. I am eager to improve and to contribute to helping this team to continue the winning legacy that it has established. I know that I am surrounded by so many great players like Sunil bhai and Gurpreet bhai, and I want to learn from them and develop further,” said Bidyashagar, after putting pen to paper on his deal. 

After making just 11 appearances in the I-League across two seasons, he returned to TRAU last year and his 12 goals, including two hat-tricks, took his boyhood side’s I-League title challenge to the final match day, with the team eventually finishing third in the standings.

“The opportunity to play for Bengaluru FC has arrived at the right time for me. Being in good form is very important for a striker and I would like to continue my good run here. My aim is to win trophies and to wear this club’s jersey with pride. I also want to do well here so that I can make it into our national team,” added Bidyashagar.

Comfortable playing on either flank, Bidyashagar became only the second Indian to pick up the I-League Golden Boot last season and in doing so, became only the fourth Indian to finish top scorer of a National League after Bhaichung Bhutia, Raman Vijayan and Blues’ skipper Sunil Chhetri. He was also named the ‘Hero of the Season’ and found a place in the I-League ‘Team of the Season.’

“Bidyashagar is a young player with a lot of potential. He is very eager to learn and make the next step and in the short time that he has been with us, he has shown us that he has the ability to score goals. The important thing now is to make sure he can bring his quality into our team and do that in the Indian Super League. He can play as a striker, as a winger and in behind the striker, which gives us a lot of options in attack,” said Blues’ Head Coach Marco Pezzaiuoli.

The Blues take on Club Eagles FC in their AFC Cup playoff clash, on August 15, in Maldives.

Bengaluru sign Brazilian defender Alan Costa on loan from Avaí FC

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Tuesday, announced that Brazilian defender Alan Henrique Costa had signed on a two-year loan deal from Campeonato Brasileiro Série B side, Avaí Futebol Clube. Thirty-year-old Costa, who stands at 6’4”, is the Blues’ second foreign acquisition under Marco Pezzaiuoli after Gabonese defender Yrondu Musavu-King signed a new two-year deal on Saturday.

Having begun his career in the youth ranks of Ferroviária in Brasil, Costa had stints at Palmeiras, Internacional and Coritiba, and loan spells at Sao Bento and Vitoria, before joining Avaí in 2020.

Costa, a native of Araraquara, has spent the entirety of his professional career thus far in Brazil, and expressed excitement at his move to Bengaluru. “I’m really happy to have signed for Bengaluru FC and I have good expectations about Indian football. I didn’t know too much about the Indian Super League, but I have friends who have played here, who have only great things to say,” said Costa, after completing the formalities on his loan deal.

Costa, who lifted the Campeonato Catarinense State Championship with Avaí in May, winning 3-2 against defending champions Chapecoense over a two-legged final, said he was looking forward to the move, and to do well for the Blues. 

“The new project at BFC is one that excites me, and I am eager to repay the trust of those who showed the faith to bring me here. I am aware that the club hasn’t had a great run of late, but I want to show my experience and make sure that this season is different,” Costa added.

Bengaluru ran out 5-0 winners over Tribhuvan Army FC in a Preliminary Stage Two clash of the AFC Cup in April, in what was Marco Pezzaiuoli’s first game in charge. The Italian said that Costa’s presence and leadership could prove vital to his squad.

“I’m happy to welcome Alan to Bengaluru FC. I think he is a very important player on the pitch and has a commanding personality off it. He is a natural leader and has captained teams that he has been part of in the past,” said Pezzaiuoli.

Incidentally, Costa scored his first goal of the Brasileiro Série B season in a 3-1 win against Londrina Esporte Clube, on Thursday. “Alan’s quality with the ball is very impressive and he has been scoring goals over the last few seasons which makes him a very interesting player to have. His presence will definitely improve the overall quality of the team and I wish him success on his new journey with us,” added Pezzaiuoli.

Sunil Chhetri signs on with BFC

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Sunday, announced that club captain Sunil Chhetri had signed a new two-year deal to keep him at the club until at least 2023. Chhetri, who signed with the Blues in 2013, will see the new deal extend his stay with Bengaluru into a tenth season.

Chhetri, who joined Bengaluru in 2013, has made 203  appearances for the club since, scoring 101 goals in that time. The 36-year-old has led the club since its inception in 2013 and has topped the goal-scoring charts in each of his eight seasons with the Blues.

“I’m really happy to have signed on for two more years at Bengaluru FC. The city is home now, and the people at this club are like family to me. It feels like just yesterday that I signed for the first time here, and I have to say the journey has been nothing short of special. I love this club, the supporters and the city, all three of which I have a strong bond with, and I’m looking forward to being part of many more great moments with them,” said Chhetri, after completing formalities on his extension.

Chhetri, a six-time AIFF Player of the Year, led the Blues to their first League title in 2013, and has since won five more trophies with the club, including the Federation Cup (2015, 2017), Indian Super League (2018-19) and Super Cup (2018). In addition to several other individual awards, Chhetri was named the Asian Football Confederation’s Asian Iconin 2018 and the following year, he was conferred the Padma Shri title, India’s fourth highest civilian honour. 

“Sunil has been an integral part of this club since day one. We all know what he, as a player, brings to the team. But his presence as a leader has been equally crucial to us, and especially to the youngsters coming through the ranks. He is a role model, and his influence and application has been paramount to our success. Over the last eight years, he has made this city his home and we are really happy that he has committed his future to Bengaluru FC,” said club CEO, Mandar Tamhane.

Chhetri, who scored twice against Bangladesh in India’s FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup joint qualifier in Doha earlier this month, has amassed over 100 caps for the country and is India’s all-time leading scorer in international football, with 76 goals.

Bengaluru FC will face Eagles FC in a 2021 AFC Cup Playoff stage clash, in August.

Bengaluru expect stern challenge from champions Mohun Bagan

Bengaluru FC Media 

In what holds the promise of an engrossing contest between two sides in form, Bengaluru FC will square off against ATK Mohun Bagan, spurred by the prospect of leap-frogging the current champions on the table should they triumph at the Fatorda Stadium, in Goa, on Monday. 

Carles Cuadrat’s side are third on points, one below ATK Mohun Bagan, and the Spaniard admits the chance to climb the table at the expense of the Kolkata side will serve as motivation for his boys. However, he mentioned that there were a few other factors that will play a role in the build-up to the clash. “There’s more than just one motivating factor as we get ready to play ATKMB. They are the team that put us out in the semifinal last season. They are also a team that will fight for the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup slots. That aside, just the one point separates us. So, it’s good to come up against them at this stage, in what I am sure will be a very difficult challenge.”

ATKMB, with Antonio Habas at the helm, got their season off to a perfect start, picking up nine points from their first three games before Jamshedpur dented their run with a 2-1 win over the champions. ATKMB then went on to draw against Hyderabad, before nicking three more points against Goa, to sit in second position on the table.

Bengaluru, meanwhile, have been picking momentum with three wins in their last four games, and along with Hyderabad, are one of the only two sides to yet taste defeat this season. However, Cuadarat is aware of what Bengaluru will be up against on Monday. 

“ATK Mohun Bagan pose a very physical challenge, they have a team with very tough players. We know about them; they have a few big bodies and play with a high tempo. We saw in their game against FC Goa how their players played as a compact unit and tried to take advantage of counter-attacks and open spaces.”

The game will be Bengaluru’s fifth in a three week period and Cuadrat hinted at the possibility of a few changes to the Bengaluru side that starts the game. “We have had five games in about 21 days so we also have to get some fresh legs on the pitch. The team is fit and well, but we will have to rotate. We will try to use players who have played fewer minutes in the season so far. We also have to understand that it has been tough for the players since the first game of the season,” said Cuadrat. 

Roy Krishna has been in top form for ATKMB with five goals in six games while on the other side, Cleiton Silva and Sunil Chhetri have three goals each against their name. However, Cuadrat foresees a very tight game where the defences of both teams will call the shots. “ATKMB were the champions for a reason. They know how to defend and how to be dangerous in their attacks. That's what we have to try and avoid on Monday. We have to create enough chances to score because they are very good defensively, they have conceded the fewest goals so far. They employ a very good defensive structure and we will try to beat them.

“It is going to be that kind of game again, where two compact teams go head-to-head and not a lot of things will happen in attack. The defenders will be in control of the situations and it will be little details that will decide the outcome,” Said Cuadrat. 

Earlier on Sunday, the club put out an update on Ashique Kuruniyan who had suffered multiple fractures to his face after a collision during the win over Odisha FC, saying he had undergone a successful surgery in Bengaluru and that his condition would be closely monitored over the coming days. 

Kick off between the Blues and ATK Mohun Bagan is scheduled for 7.30 pm on Monday, and will be telecast live on the STAR Sports Network, Hotstar and Jio TV.

 

Bengaluru sign Raphael Augusto and Ashique Kuruniyan

Bengaluru FC Media

Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC have signed Brazilian midfielder Raphael Augusto and India National team player, versatile winger Ashique Kuruniyan. 

Raphael joins the club on a two-year deal that keeps him till the end of the 2020-21 season. Augusto, a native of Rio de Janeiro, becomes the sixth foreigner on Carles Cuadrat’s roster as Bengaluru begin their ISL title-defence on October 21 at home against NorthEast United.

The twenty-eight-year-old Raphael joins Bengaluru on the back of four seasons with Chennaiyin FC, with whom he has won the league twice. He also becomes the first Brazilian to wear the blue of Bengaluru. 

The Malappuram-born winger Ashique has signed a four-year deal with the reigning ISL champions and will feature for the Blues till the end of the 2022-23 season. 

Augusto expressed his delight on the move. "I am so happy to sign for a big team like Bengaluru FC. I was amazed in the manner in which the club fought tooth and nail to win the championship last season, and it's a good feeling to be a part of that team now. Bengaluru have a very good coach, a good set of players and some amazing fans and I’m sure together, all of us can win more titles for the club.”

Bengaluru boss, Cuadrat was all praise for Augusto. “I’d like to welcome Raphael, who is a two-time league winner, to the squad. We’re all aware of, and have seen the kind of talent he possesses. The onus is now on us to get the best out of an exceptional player like Raphael. We have a season that also includes Asian competition and a title-defence, and it’s going to take experience, talent and hard work to make it a successful one. I believe that Raphael brings all three attributes to the dressing room.”

Ashique, who completed formalities on a long-term deal, expressed his pleasure at completing a move he described as a dream. “I am really glad to have committed my future to a club like Bengaluru FC. Every young footballer in the country wants to play for BFC and I am happy to be able to realise this dream. I have a lot to learn from the senior players at the club, as well as the coaching staff and while I know that there is massive competition for places, I am confident and ready for the challenge,” said the youngster. 

Bengaluru FC Coach Carles Cuadrat said the addition of Ashique gives his squad the kind of depth it needs considering the Blues will be competing in Asia too, this season. “Ashique is the kind of player who can help us in both, attack and defence. His talent, pace and guile gives us the right kind of selection problems, but more importantly, gives us options. We’re playing the AFC Cup this season and it’s important that we add Indian talent to the squad for the continental campaign. We’re looking forward to have him join the club,” said Cuadrat.

Ashique becomes the sixth new signing for the Blues this season after Manuel Onwu, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Suresh Wangjam, Prabhsukhan Gill and Raphael Augusto. 

Bengaluru sign Osasuna Striker Manuel Onwu

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC have completed the signing of Spanish striker Manuel Onwu Villafranca ahead of the 2019-20 season, the club announced on Wednesday. 

The 31-year-old striker who becomes the 13th Spaniard to sign for the Blues, has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the club having an option to extend it for another year. 

“Having spent a fair bit of time playing in Spain, I was looking for a different experience. However, I wanted to join a strong project where we fight for ambitious goals. That's the reason I'm very excited to join Bengaluru FC. I've heard a lot of good things about the club from many Spanish players in the league, and that helped me make a decision about coming here. I look forward to meeting my new teammates and hope to help the club build on their success from last season,” said Manuel after putting to paper.   

Welcoming him to the Blues fold, Coach Carles Cuadrat said, “Manuel comes in after a long playing career in Spain that includes playing at the very top. He will provide us with some good options in attack and we expect him to settle in easily. Of course, he isn't a direct replacement for Miku, because we're talking about two very different types of players. Manuel is a great professional, and his experiences will definitely make him a great addition to our squad.”

Born in Tudela, Manuel had youth spells with Club Atlético Valtierrano and CD Tudelano, making his senior debut with the latter in 2006. In 2007, Onwu signed with Osasuna B and had a couple of loan spells at CD Iruña (2007-08) and UD Alzira (2008) before returning to the reserve team of the La Liga side. While Manuel featured and netted regularly for Osasuna B in the Segunda B Division, he was called up to the first team and made his La Liga debut in March 2012.

Having played three seasons in the Spanish top flight and another one in the Segunda Division for Osasuna, Manuel had a brief spell in Georgia with FC Dinamo Tbilisi where he was part of the side that won the 2015 Georgian Cup. He returned to Spain the following season and featured for Lleida Esportiu (2015-16) and Lorca FC (2016-18) helping the latter to a promotion to Segunda Division in his first season. In January 2018, he moved to UCAM Murcia CF and featured regularly and in fact, was the top-scorer for the Universitarios with 11 league goals in the 2018-19 season.

At Bengaluru, Manuel becomes the fourth Spaniard in the current squad joining Juanan Gonzalez, Dimas Delgado, and Albert Serran.

Bengaluru sign Eugeneson Lyngdoh

Bengaluru FC Media

BFC have completed the signing of former player Eugeneson Lyngdoh on a one-year deal, the club announced on Monday. The 32-year old midfielder once again joins the Indian Super League champions after a two-year stint with Kolkata-side ATK, who had signed the Shillong-born playmaker during the ISL draft in 2017. 

A favourite among the supporters, Lyngdoh first joined Bengaluru FC in 2014 after stints with Meghalaya’s Shillong Lajong and Rangdajied United. Going on to become a vital part of the side under Ashley Westwood and then under Albert Roca, Lyngdoh scored some crucial goals for the Blues en route to winning three major trophies apart from helping the club to a maiden AFC Cup final in 2016. 

“Ever since I first signed for Bengaluru FC I knew I was making the right decision. Now that I’m here again I want to relive those moments and create new ones. I'm looking forward to being back on the pitch and fighting for titles once again,” said an elated Lyngdoh who becomes the third Indian signing for the season after youngsters Prabhsukhan Singh Gill and Suresh Wangjam. 

Bengaluru coach, Carles Cuadrat said he was delighted at having Lyngdoh back in BFC colours. “I have worked with Eugeneson before and I know the kind of influence he has on the dressing room. He is a good professional with good habits and I have no doubt about the fact that he will help the side improve and more specifically, the youngsters on the squad. He knows how we like to play, so we already have a head start with him,” said Cuadrat. 

At Bengaluru, Lyngdoh scored 16 goals in 74 appearances in three seasons while winning the Federation Cup in 2014-15 and 2016-17 and the I-League in 2016-17. The creative midfielder even bagged the AIFF Player of the Year award for 2015. 

Kean Lewis signs extension with Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC have announced Kean Lewis’ contract renewal, as the winger committed his future to the Blues, signing a deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

The TATA Football Academy graduate was part of the Mahindra United academy where he played at various youth levels, and signed with Bengaluru ahead of the 2018-19 campaign. Twenty-six-year-old Kean claimed the assist for Erik Paartalu’s winner against ATK at the Fortress, and was instrumental in several appearances off the bench in Bengaluru’s run to the Indian Super League trophy.

“I’m very happy to have signed on with Bengaluru FC for another season. I was given the opportunity to play in several positions last season, which shows that the coach has faith in me. It gives me more chances to play, which was a key factor in my decision. Further to that, the team, the management, and the core of the club is intact, which bodes well for our chances of retaining the title and I’m really looking forward to that,” said Kean, after completing formalities on his one-year deal.

Carles Cuadrat, who has signed on with Bengaluru for two more seasons, said that he was happy to see Kean back in the fold.

“We're happy to offer Kean another year because he's been an important player for us throughout the course of last season. Kean made a difference coming off the bench in crucial moments and whenever we needed him. As a player who understands the philosophy of this club and our style of play, we stand to benefit from having him as part of the squad for another year,” said Cuadrat. 

Bengaluru announce 25-member squad for ISL

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru Football Club have named their 25-man squad for the 2018-19 edition of the Indian Super League which kicks off in little under two weeks, the club announced on Tuesday.

Having selected a new-look squad from the player-draft after making the move to the ISL last year, the Blues, who finished top of the league with a record tally of 40 points, have retained as many as twelve players this season while five youngsters make the move up from Bengaluru FC B.

Head coach Carles Cuadrat who took charge of the side in the AFC Cup Inter-Zone semifinal last month, has been working hard with the boys and expects a tough season when the league kicks off in two weeks. “Our season began much before most clubs given we had our AFC Cup commitments. This has given us time to work with the squad we have. We have managed to retain a fair number of players from last season which is always a good thing. This season will also see five players from Bengaluru FC B fight for a place on the team and that is always encouraging as a club. There’s a good mix of experience and youth and every one of the players is hungry. It’s going to be a tough season, but one that we will give everything we have,” said the Spaniard.

While Sunil Chhetri will continue to lead the squad in his sixth season as a Blue, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, defenders Rahul Bheke and Harmanjot Khabra along with attackers Boithang Haokip, Thongkhosiem Haokip and Udanta Singh are the Indian players to be retained. Midfielder Kean Lewis and defender Sairuat Kima are the new domestic players signed earlier this season while, defenders Rino Anto and Gursimrat Singh Gill and goalkeeper Soram Poirei return to Bengaluru.

Among the foreigners, Miku, who netted 20 goals last season will lead the forward line alongside Chhetri and joining him are Dimas Delgado, Juanan Gonzalez and Erik Paartalu. With the teams now allowed to sign only seven foreigners, as compared to eight last season, the Blues have brought in Xisco Hernandez, who made his debut last month in the AFC Cup, as well as attacker Chencho Gyeltshen and new signing Albert Serran.

The five BFC B boys making the move up to the first team include Bidyananda Singh and Asheer Akhtar, who have made their BFC debut in the AFC Cup, along with Altamash Sayed, Aditya Patra and Ajay Chhetri. While all five impressed for BFC B in the 2nd Division League last year, Ajay was even part of U18 team last season and helped the team all the way to the final phase of the Youth League in Shillong.

The Blues begin their Indian Super League campaign against defending champions Chennaiyin FC at the Fortress on September 30.

Team

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Soram Poirei Anganba, Aditya Patra (U21)

Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Albert Serran, Sairuat Kima, Juanan Gonzalez, Harmanjot Singh Khabra, Rino Anto, Nishu Kumar, Asheer Akhtar, Gursimrat Singh Gill

Midfielders: Erik Paartalu, Kean Francis Lewis, Dimas Delgado, Bidyananda Singh, Boithang Haokip, Francisco ‘Xisco’ Hernandez, Ajay Chhetri (U21), Altamash Sayed

Forwards: Nicolas Ladislao Fedor ‘Miku’, Sunil Chhetri, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Udanta Singh, Chencho Gyeltshen 

Bengaluru sign Albert Serran to bolster defense

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Friday, announced the signing of 34-year-old center-back Albert Serran, ahead of their Indian Super League campaign, set to kick off in a month’s time. A widely travelled defender, Serran joins the Blues as their seventh foreign signing, having turned out for Carles Cuadrat’s men in two pre-season friendlies, against Villarreal CF B and FC Barcelona B. 

“It's a great experience in my career to sign for Bengaluru FC. The pre-season in Spain was great and I had the chance to meet the staff and players. I was given a warm welcome and felt very good from the beginning. I'm expecting to arrive in Bengaluru soon, to know more about the fans and the city,” said Serran after completing formalities. 

Born in Barcelona, Serran is a product of RCD Espanyol’s youth system and appeared in three La Liga games during his time with the Periquitos. In 2008, Serran signed a three-year deal with Swansea City, then in the Football League Championship. Serran left Swansea in 2011 and went on to play for AEK Larnaca, Alcorcon, Anorthosis Famagusta and Doxa Katokopia, before joining Albanian Superliga champions FK Kukesi in 2017. Serran’s most recent contract was with Morrocon side Chabab Rif Al Hoceima. 

Having bowed out of the 2018 AFC Cup with a 5-2 aggregate loss to Altyn Asyr FK, the Blues prepare for their Indian Super League opener, against Chennaiyin FC, at the Kanteerava Stadium on September 30.

Chhetri signs on with Bengaluru until 2021

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chhetri put pen to paper on a fresh one-year deal at the club, the Blues announced on Tuesday. The deal, which adds to his current contract at the club, will see the AIFF Player of the Year be a part of the JSW Group-owned side until the end of the 2020-2021 season. 

Thirty-three-year old Chhetri had earlier signed a three-year deal with the Blues ahead of their move to the Indian Super League last season. Chhetri, who is the longest serving player at the club, spoke of his delight at the extension. 

“I have always said that this club and these fans have been the most fantastic experience of my life and signing a new deal here is only a way of giving back to a club that has given so much to me. I’ve made some fantastic memories here and I believe there are many more to make,” he said. 

Having won the club’s Top Scorer of the Year award for five consecutive seasons, Chhetri is Bengaluru’s highest goal scorer, with 71 goals in 144 appearances. 

“It’s special to have Sunil Chhetri play for us. He is, by far, the fittest player around and he has proven so many times that age is just a number. We are excited to have Sunil the player, more excited to have Sunil the leader and most excited to have Sunil the enigma. His hunger, desire and passion is immense and he is the torchbearer of Indian football. For us, the club was built around Sunil and continues to do so. We hope he stays for as long as possible at BFC in the capacity of a player and beyond,” said Parth Jindal, CEO of Bengaluru FC. 

Bengaluru FC are currently in pre-season training at their residential facilities in Bellary, following which they will fly out to Spain for a preseason camp. The Blues’ first competitive match of the season kicks off in less than a month, when they take on Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr FK in a two-legged Inter-Zone semifinal of the AFC Cup, on August 22 and 29.

Rino returns to Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media

BFC, on Wednesday, announced that right-back Rino Anto has returned to the club, signing on a two-year-deal that will keep him in Bengaluru colours until the end of the 2019-2020 season. The 30-year-old, who made the switch to Kerala Blasters in the ISL draft at the start of the 2017-18 season, returns ahead of the Blues’ 2018 AFC Cup Inter-zone semi-final against Altyn Asyr FK.

“I’m glad to be back at this club where I made so many memories and I cannot wait to get on the pitch in a Bengaluru FC shirt once again. It’s never easy to be a part of a club where the level of competition is so high, but I’m ready for the challenge,” said Rino, who made 80 appearances in his first four seasons with the Blues.

Having won the I-League in his debut season with the club in 2014, Rino was part of the club’s squad that won the Federation Cup titles in 2015 and 2017, reclaimed the I-League title in 2016 and also played in the AFC Cup final of 2016, in Doha.

"We're very happy to have Rino back, he's been a star performer for us in our entire journey, including being a club captain. He's been a leader for us and has a very strong connect with the fans, who I'm sure will be equally excited to have him back. Rino is a national team player and we look to see him back there, representing club and country," said club COO, Mustafa Ghouse

Bengaluru take on Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr FK in the first leg of their AFC Cup 2018 Inter-zone semi-final at the Kanteerava Stadium, on August 22.

Roca bids adieu to Bengaluru, returns home Barcelona owing to personal reasons

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru Football Club Head Coach Albert Roca will be leaving the position at the end of the 2017-18 season, the club announced on Thursday. The Blues’ Spanish manager opted not to renew his initial two-year deal owing to personal reasons, bringing an end to an impressive spell that saw Bengaluru FC become the first Indian club to make the final of the AFC Cup. His success was also highlighted by the Federation Cup (2017) and Super Cup (2018) titles that the club won to maintain the Blues’ record of winning a trophy every season since its inception in 2013 and more recently, guiding the club to a fourth consecutive appearance in the knock-out stages of the AFC Cup.

“Bengaluru FC and more importantly Indian football will always be grateful for the path that Albert Roca has shown us. Even in difficult situations he stayed true to his philosophy and brand of football and that is a testament to the manager and person he is. His idea of how the game is to be played is what we need to be able to compete in Asia and on the world stage. He will always have a place at Bengaluru FC and we wish him the best for his future,” said club CEO, Parth Jindal.

The former Barcelona assistant coach who arrived in the country at the start of the 2016-17 season, left a lasting impression on Indian football with his philosophy. The Blues, who had established themselves as a reckoning force in Indian football, further increased their dominance under Roca as they began to play some of the most attractive, possession-based and free-flowing football.

Roca said though short, Bengaluru FC would always remain a special story in his career. “It was one of the toughest decisions I have had to make in my managerial career but it’s the right one. Bengaluru FC has been an experience I will always carry with me, no matter where I go. The owners, the management, my staff, players and most importantly, the fans walked with me every step of this journey and I can never forget the love and support I have received here. I will miss being on the touchline for this club, but will always follow its progress,” said the Spaniard.

Roca’s first assignment for Bengaluru FC was the knock-out stages in the AFC Cup from where he went on to steer the Blues all the way to final in Qatar where they went down 1-0 to Iraq’s Air Force Club. He then put behind a disappointing fourth-place finish in the I-League to beat arch rivals Mohun Bagan and win the Federation Cup. Forced to rebuild the squad completely at the start of the 2017-18 season due to the Indian Super League draft, Roca got down to business as the Blues became the first Indian side to reach back-to-back semifinals at the continental stage. After falling short to Tajikistan side FC Istiklol in the Inter-zone final the 2017 AFC Cup, the Blues arrived into the expanded ISL amid much fanfare. However, Bengaluru didn’t take time to settle in into the new league, smashing one record after another as they finished the league stage in pole position with a record tally of 40 points and 13 wins and made their way into the grand final in their first attempt. He then got the team to put aside heartbreak in the final of the ISL, spurring them on to a flawless and triumphant Super Cup campaign a month later.

In his two seasons at Bengaluru, Roca managed a staggering win ratio of over 60 per cent while achieving a record 15-match unbeaten run for the club in early 2018. In fact, the Blues even went on to log six-match winning runs on three different occasions. While establishing their name on the continental stage, the Blues also remained unbeaten at the Fortress under the Spaniard. 

Dimas Delgado signs on for one more year with Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC have handed a one-year contract extension to playmaker Dimas Delgado which will see him with the Blues till the end of 2018-19 season, the club announced on Thursday. The Santa Coloma de Gramanet-born midfielder becomes the sixth player to sign an extension following Rahul Bheke, Juanan Gonzalez, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Erik Paartalu and Boithang Haokip.

Having completed formalities on his extension, Dimas Delgado said, “I’m very happy to have signed for another season with Bengaluru FC. My experience at this club has been amazing so far, and our journey in the Indian Super League and AFC Cup was a memorable one. My family and I have enjoyed our time here so far and we want it to carry on. I want to stay on, fight hard and win the ISL and every other trophy we are competing for. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this decision easier for me.”

Having joined from Western Sydney Wanderers ahead of the Blues' 2017 AFC Cup knock-out rounds, 35-year-old Dimas went on to become a fan favourite, after making his debut in the 3-0 home win over North Korean side 4.25 SC back in August 2017.

The Spaniard has been one of the stand-out performers for the Blues, making a total of 1,120 passes in 17 games in the Indian Super League, the most among his teammates. With an outstanding passing accuracy of 77%, Dimas bagged three assists, and even netted a goal in the Blues' clash against FC Goa at the Kanteerava in February.

Boithang Haokip extends stay with Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC handed a contract extension to winger Boithang Haokip, the club announced on Tuesday. Haokip’s deal will see him with the Blues till the end of the 2020 season as he joins a list of players who have committed their future to the club, including Rahul Bheke, Juan Gonzalez, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Boithang made his debut against FC Istiklol at home in the 2017 AFC Cup, and has played a key role for Roca’s men since the turn of the year. The midfielder bagged two goals, one against Chennaiyin and the other against Transport United in the AFC Cup preliminary stages.

“I’m very excited to have signed for two more years with Bengaluru FC. They are the most professional side in the country and it’s an honour for me to be a part of this journey. We’re playing with the right intent and that’s something that drives me to continue working hard,” said Boithang. 

Cuadrat part ways with Bengaluru FC owing to health concerns

Bengaluru FC have announced that they have parted ways with Assistant Coach Carles Cuadrat by mutual consent after the Spaniard conveyed his decision to step down from the post owing to health concerns. The announcement marks the end of Head Coach Albert Roca's long-standing association with Cuadrat, having coached together at various clubs and national teams before arriving in India. 

Cuadrat, who gained a reputation of being a master at set-pieces, was flown back for treatment after landing in Pune for an away game with a condition in his knee. Having been away from the field during the Blues' last two home games, the Spaniard had been using the internet to send Roca plans in the build-up to games. 

Speaking about his decision to step down, Cuadrat said, “We landed in Pune for an away game and I had to fly back the same day for a surgery. I will now have to spend the next two months in recovery. I sat with the club management and we decided that it is best I take a step aside given how packed the fixture calendar is. I won’t be able to give the team and myself one hundred percent. We are a professional team and need all hands on the deck at all times, which is why I have taken this decision.” 

The Blues have now appointed Barcelona-native Marc Huguet as the new Assistant Coach, who like Roca and Cuadrat, has also served as a Coach in the FC Barcelona youth setup. Huguet, who recently served as an Assistant Coach with FC Dinamo Tbilisi in Georgian 1st Division, Cordoba CF in La Liga and RCD Mallorca in Segunda Division, will join the Blues in the first week of January.