Bengaluru FC’s 2023-24 campaign was one to forget, as they endured a tough season in the Indian Super League, finishing 10th in the standings. This marked a sharp decline from their promising 2022-23 season, where they had managed an impressive run to the ISL final. Under the guidance of Simon Grayson that season, Bengaluru FC recorded eight consecutive wins to secure a playoff spot, ultimately losing in the final to Mohun Bagan on penalties. However, Grayson parted ways with the club mid-season in 2023-24, and Spaniard Gerard Zaragoza took over.
Despite the managerial change, Bengaluru struggled throughout the season, particularly in front of goal, managing to score only 20 goals across the campaign. Their defensive issues also persisted, which compounded their problems. With this disappointing finish, the club aims to rebuild and strengthen its squad for a more competitive run in the upcoming 2024-25 season, bringing in key players such as Pereira Diaz and the returning Rahul Bheke to bolster their attacking and defensive lines.
Bengaluru FC Summer Transfer Window :
Bengaluru FC’s 2024 summer transfer window saw significant changes as they geared up for the new Indian Super League season. The club focused on bolstering their squad with experienced players, securing notable arrivals such as Spanish winger Edgar Méndez and striker Jorge Pereyra Díaz, who were brought in to sharpen their attacking options. Méndez, previously playing in Mexico’s Liga MX, was signed on a free transfer to inject creativity on the wings. At the same time, Pereyra Díaz, a former Mumbai City FC striker, was brought in for his goal-scoring prowess, crucial to replacing the outgoing players.
Departures included key names, such as midfielder Javi Hernández and goalkeeper Lara Sharma, who moved to Jamshedpur FC and FC Goa, respectively. Bengaluru also saw the exit of Slavko Damjanović, their former defensive stalwart, who left for Indonesia. The club focused on refreshing their squad by letting go of older, high-profile players while injecting fresh blood into key areas to remain competitive and rejuvenate their team for the upcoming campaign.
Pre-season :
Bengaluru FC’s pre-season for the 2024-25 campaign saw them engaging in a series of domestic and international preparatory matches to build momentum ahead of the Indian Super League (ISL). One of the key positives was the blend of youth and experience within the squad, as they tested new signings like Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Edgar Mendez. These matches helped the new recruits settle in and gave coach Gerard Zaragoza insights into the squad’s tactical balance. Moreover, the pre-season allowed Bengaluru FC to experiment with formations, especially with the arrival of defensive reinforcements like Chinglensana Singh and Mohammed Salah.
Bengaluru FC’s pre-season preparations for the 2024-25 ISL season were supplemented by their participation in the Durand Cup. Although the tournament offered an opportunity for match practice and tactical experimentation, their campaign ended in disappointment. Bengaluru were eliminated in the quarterfinals, falling short of the expectations set by their strong run in the previous edition. Despite some positive moments, such as the performances of new signings Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Halicharan Narzary, the team struggled with consistency, highlighted by a lack of defensive cohesion and missed opportunities in front of goal.
However, injury absences during the pre-season somewhat dampened their preparation. Forward Sivasakthi Narayanan was sidelined for several weeks, creating concern about their attacking depth. Despite this setback, key players such as Sunil Chhetri and Ryan Williams stayed fit, bringing leadership and experience to the squad. The pre-season offered a mixed bag of outcomes, with some defensive frailties exposed but also glimpses of the attacking promise that the new signings bring to the team.
Squad compared to last season :
Bengaluru FC’s squad for the 2024-25 season has seen significant changes compared to last year, focusing on defensive and attacking reinforcements. The biggest defensive addition is Chinglensana Singh, who adds stability at the back following the exit of key defenders like Slavko Damjanovic and Parag Shrivas. Bengaluru’s backline is further boosted by the return of Rahul Bheke and the signing of Mohammed Salah from Punjab FC. However, despite these additions, the exit of multiple experienced defenders could be seen as weakening the overall depth in defense.
In midfield and attack, Bengaluru has gained firepower with the arrival of players like Edgar Méndez from Club Necaxa and Halicharan Narzary. These signings aim to fill the void left by the departure of influential players like Javi Hernandez and Rohit Kumar, who were crucial in previous campaigns. The new arrivals add creativity and pace, but the squad still adapts to life without their departed playmakers. Overall, Bengaluru appears stronger in attack and relatively stable in defense, though their depth in midfield might be slightly diminished compared to the previous season.
Most exciting player to look forward to –
One of Bengaluru FC’s most exciting prospects for the 2024-25 season is Sivasakthi Narayanan, a young forward who has quickly become a fan favorite. Last season, Sivasakthi showcased his attacking potential with 6 goals and 3 assists in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24. His pace, agility, and off-the-ball movement were critical in unlocking defenses, and he consistently made an impact in the final third.
At just 22 years old, Sivasakthi’s ability to perform under pressure and his work rate make him an exciting player to watch this season. With another year of experience and improved chemistry with his teammates, including Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri, Sivasakthi is expected to play an even larger role in Bengaluru FC’s offense. His knack for being in the right place at the right time and his finishing ability suggest he could be one of the 2024-25 campaign breakout stars.
Player with a point to prove –
A player with a significant point to prove for Bengaluru FC in the 2024-25 season is Jorge Pereyra Díaz, the Argentine forward who joined from Mumbai City FC. Despite being one of the most experienced forwards in the ISL, Díaz’s performances last season fell short of expectations after his prolific 2021-22 campaign. In 2023-24, while he managed a respectable tally of 5 goals and 2 assists, it was a noticeable dip from his previous season’s form, where he was among the top scorers in the league. Having been part of Mumbai City FC’s dynamic attack, Díaz now has the opportunity to prove his consistency and adaptability in a different setup at Bengaluru.
Díaz must demonstrate that he can be a reliable goal-scorer again and lead the line for Bengaluru FC, especially as the team looks to improve on last season’s results. With the club investing heavily in their forward options, including the presence of veterans like Sunil Chhetri and new signing Édgar Méndez, Díaz must show that he can be the focal point of the attack. This season is critical to prove that he can return to his peak form and deliver the cutting edge in crucial moments.
Best XI :
Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu remains the undisputed No. 1 for Bengaluru. His experience and shot-stopping ability are key to the team’s defensive strength.
Defense: Chinglensana Singh and Aleksandar Jovanović form a solid center-back pairing, combining Singh’s leadership with Jovanović’s defensive awareness. Full-backs Naorem Roshan Singh and Namgyal Bhutia add width and pace, with Roshan offering excellent crossing ability from the left.
Midfield: The midfield trio includes the energetic Suresh Singh Wangjam, a key player for both Bengaluru and the national team, and Ryan Williams, who brings a creative edge. Spanish playmaker Alberto Noguera, with his experience in Indian football, will control the tempo and dictate attacks.
Attack: On the wings, Edgar Mendez, a new signing from Club Necaxa, brings flair and directness, while Sunil Chhetri, the team’s talisman, operates as a second striker or wide forward. Up front, Sivasakthi Narayanan’s pace and finishing will be crucial, especially with his form from last season where he impressed with goals and assists.
Best XI – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Chinglensana Singh, Aleksandar Jovanović, Naorem Roshan Singh, Namgyal Bhutia, Suresh Wangjam, Ryan Williams, Alberto Noguera, Edgar Mendez, Sunil Chhetri, Sivasakthi Narayanan.
Predictions :
Bengaluru FC’s 2024-25 season is poised to be a transitional one under the guidance of Gerard Zaragoza. With key additions like Edgar Méndez and Jorge Pereyra Díaz bolstering their attack, the team looks set to pose a greater offensive threat than in recent years. However, defensive concerns remain due to the departure of key players, which could expose them in high-stakes matches. The squad’s depth in certain areas, especially midfield, may also be tested as the season progresses. Nevertheless, with Sivasakthi Narayanan’s continued rise and Zaragoza’s tactical acumen, Bengaluru FC is expected to be a solid contender. Bengaluru FC finishing 5th or 6th would be a reasonable prediction in the upcoming ISL season.
Follow IFTWC for more updates on Indian football.
