A shame, but we have to accept reality: Albert Roca

Bengaluru: It’s not the way Albert Roca would have wanted to start his first game but given the way the dice has rolled, BFC head coach revealed his side will try to make the best out of a bad situation of playing under closed doors against Tampines Rovers.

“It’s a shame not to have supporters watching the game but it’s the circumstances that we are in now. We will try to put our best performance and get a good result. After three and a half months without competition, this is our first game and our players want to show what we are trying to do in the game and it won’t be possible.

“It’s a shame but we have to accept the reality,” he said during the pre-match press conference before adding that he has been pleased with the way the team has adapted to his philosophy over the last six weeks.

With the fans rendered mute and the home advantage largely negated, Roca also called to his players to put in extra effort to make up for the loss.

“I talked to the players and told them this is not an excuse. Sure, everyone wants to play with supporters. Fact is, the supporters have always been important to the success of this team. It’s a shame and we cannot change so maybe we have to put in some extra effort.

“It’s 180 minutes that we have to manage as well as possible. The objective is to get to the semifinals,” he remarked saying that lack of match practice is not an excuse for his side.

Meanwhile, opposition coach Akbar Nawas, whose team is midway through their domestic season, stated that the same bodes well for the home side.

“I expect a tough match. There are no easy games in the AFC competition. They have a new coach and new style of play. At this stage it could work for you or it couldn’t.

“Will they adapt or will they not? It’s a 50-50 thing. I think the first 15 minutes will tell us,” he stated while admitting that lack of crowd will be an advantage for them.