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Bengaluru FC had an impressive 2022-23 campaign having reached the final of the Indian Super League before losing out to ATK Mohun Bagan on penalties, and finished runner-ups in the Hero Super Cup held in Kerala. The Blues, who had struggled in the bottom half of the ISL table in the first-half of the season, turned their fortunes in the next half, recording eight consecutive league-wins to secure a fourth-place finish and then went on to overcome Kerala Blasters in the playoff, in controversial circumstances following the Yellow Army’s walkoff as a protest against poor refereeing. However, Simon Grayson’s side couldn’t get the better of ATK Mohun Bagan in the showpiece event at Fatorda Stadium in Goa despite twice coming from behind to level the score at 2-2, thanks to equalisers from Sunil Chhetri and Roy Krishna. The Mariners prevailed 4-3 on penalties and the Blues were denied their second ISL title. BFC were so close yet so far from the crown and here’s a list of some of the most important positions that Bengaluru FC will need to strengthen before the next season begins.
BFC’s three-at-back strategy played a key role in the teams success last term and Indian international Sandesh Jhinghan was an impeccable presence at the heart of the defence. However, the 29-year-old has left the club and joined FC Goa and BFC definitely needs to bring in a proven Indian defender who could replace the former Kerala Blasters FC player at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. A solid defender, who is willing to put his body on the line, is a must in Grayson’s 3-4-1-2 setup, and therefore don’t be surprised if BFC gets involved in a big-money transfer deal for an Indian centre-back. Although Parag Shrivas gave a good account of himself whenever presented the opportunity, the 25-year-old is still not a finished product.
Chhetri is not getting any younger at 38-year’s old and he will be 39 before the start of next ISL season. Although the Indian football legend scored five goals last term including one each in the final and the playoffs, BFC might be looking for a long-term replacement for Chhetri. Siva Shakthi was impressive alongside Roy Krishna, scoring six goals and providing three assists and the 21-year-old is an exciting prospect to look forward to. However, Grayson will need to find more options in the attacking department and can’t just reply of Chhetri and Roy Krishna (35), who are on the wrong side of 30s. Sivasakthi has got good pace and is capable of putting pressure on the defenders with his tireless running, but the Tamil Nadu footballer lacks the physical prowess to dominate in the penalty box. Therefore, an Indian striker, who is solid in the air and has got a good upper body strength could be a perfect fit of BFC.
Full-backs Prabhir Das and Roshan Singh were brilliant for BFC last season. Both of them worked their socks off down the flanks. Meanwhile, 29-year-old Prabhir looked to have run out of gas towards the final stage of the season. Grayson lacked quality options in the bench and struggled to rotate the players and freshen up things. The Blues have already signed experienced left-back Jessel Carneiro from arch rivals KBFC and the 32-year-old is expected to provide some competition to Roshan for a place in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, BFC also needs to find a back-up in the right back position.
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