After a strong start to the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Bengaluru FC finds itself navigating choppy waters. Gerard Zaragoza, the club’s tactically astute head coach, has introduced innovative changes to the team’s style of play. However, the results in recent weeks—a humbling 3-0 defeat to FC Goa and a dramatic 2-2 draw with NorthEast United—have raised questions about whether these adjustments have unsettled the team rather than enhancing its performance.
Tactical Fluidity: A Double-Edged Sword
Zaragoza’s hallmark has been a hybrid tactical system, shifting between a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 in attack and a 3-4-2-1 in defense. While this approach is designed to provide unpredictability and flexibility, the execution has been uneven. Injuries, like Nikhil Poojary’s absence, have disrupted defensive cohesion, and the Spaniard’s attempts to plug gaps with makeshift solutions, such as Chinglensana Singh’s deployment, have struggled to bear fruit.
The cracks in this system were most apparent during the FC Goa match, where defensive lapses and counterattacks exposed Bengaluru’s vulnerabilities. All three goals conceded stemmed from turnovers in midfield and the inability of advanced fullbacks to recover in time. The tactic of pushing fullbacks, particularly Naorem Roshan Singh, higher up the pitch has left the team susceptible to quick transitions—a high-risk, high-reward gamble that, for now, appears to be costing more than it delivers.
The Curious Case of Vinith Venkatesh
Another contentious aspect of Zaragoza’s recent strategy is the exclusion of Vinith Venkatesh. The 19-year-old winger, known for his energy and direct attacking style, has been sidelined since Bengaluru’s match against Kerala Blasters in week six. His absence was particularly noticeable in the FC Goa clash, where his pressing ability and pace could have countered the opposition’s aggressive approach.
Against NorthEast United, trailing at halftime, Zaragoza resisted the urge to deploy Venkatesh, opting instead for alternative solutions. While Ryan Williams’ late equalizer salvaged a point, the match highlighted the team’s lack of cutting edge in attack—something Venkatesh could potentially have provided.
Rotating Forwards: Disrupting Chemistry
Bengaluru’s attack, once a potent force, has shown signs of faltering. Goals from stalwarts like Sunil Chhetri, Jorge Pereyra Díaz, and Sivasakthi Narayanan have dried up, and Zaragoza’s rotation-heavy approach has hindered the formation of consistent attacking partnerships. While Edgar Méndez’s form had been a bright spot earlier in the season, the recent tactical changes appear to have disrupted his rhythm as well.
The lack of continuity in the forward line has diminished the fluidity and understanding among attackers. This inconsistency has made Bengaluru’s offense more predictable and less effective, a worrying sign as the team approaches the critical stages of the season.
Defensive Fragility and the Midfield Disconnect
Zaragoza’s tactical demands have also put additional pressure on the defensive unit and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Once a fortress, the Bengaluru defense has looked increasingly porous, conceding goals due to miscommunication and individual errors. Sandhu, who leads the league in clean sheets, has been left exposed too often, as seen in FC Goa’s second goal—a mistake forced by relentless pressing.
The midfield, a crucial component of Zaragoza’s system, has also struggled to adapt to the dual demands of maintaining possession and covering defensive gaps. Without Poojary’s defensive stability and leadership, the team has lacked balance, making it easier for opponents to exploit the flanks and transition quickly.
What Lies Ahead for Bengaluru FC
For Zaragoza, the upcoming fixtures are pivotal. Matches against Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters, and a rematch with FC Goa offer opportunities to recalibrate his approach. To regain form, the Spaniard must strike a balance between his tactical innovations and the pragmatic strategies that have historically underpinned Bengaluru’s success.
The squad’s depth and quality are undeniable, and players like Roshan Singh and Sivasakthi Narayanan continue to shine despite the team’s recent struggles. However, consistent results will require Zaragoza to consolidate his tactics, optimize personnel decisions, and rebuild the team’s defensive solidity.
The Road to Redemption
Bengaluru FC’s rich legacy in Indian football has been built on resilience and adaptability. While Zaragoza’s tactical tweaks have introduced a period of uncertainty, they also hold the potential to elevate the team to greater heights if implemented judiciously.
As the season progresses, the Spaniard faces the daunting task of integrating his ambitious vision with the practical realities of league football. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Bengaluru can rediscover its form and maintain its position at the top of the ISL standings. For Zaragoza and the Blues, the time to steady the ship is now.