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Playing to a philosophy
Bengaluru’s two I-League triumphs came under former Blackburn Rovers assistant manager Ashley Westwood. In the three years under Westwood, Bengaluru played pacy, attacking, direct football, which bagged them the two league titles as well as a Federation Cup win.
Albert Roca has taken over since Westwood's departure, and while they finished a disappointing fourth in his first I-League campaign last time around, they did win the Federation Cup again and he guided them to the AFC Cup final. The style changed under Roca to more possession-based approach.
Under both Roca and Westwood there has been a clear philosophy, and a playing style, which the team has stuck to. When teams are clear on how they want to play and have an identity, it sets them up for success.
In comparison to the existing ISL teams where there is a coaching change almost every season and so much chopping and changing of personnel, Bengaluru’s adherence to one particular style may help them nudge the other sides out.
