ISL: Carles Cuadrat says BFC not focusing on 'defending the title'

As the sixth season of the ISL kicked off on Sunday with the Kerala Blasters coming from behind to secure a 2-1 win over ATK, there's one fact that has gone rather unnoticed in the five preceding seasons of the ISL. No side in the five-year history of the ISL has tasted success in the quest to retain the title. As the defending champions Bengaluru FC gear up to play hosts to NorthEast United on Monday, Bengaluru manager Carles Cuadrat had a few words on the issue. 

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CarlesCuadrat, a protege of former Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca said that it was "strange" that none of the teams have been able to retain the title in the ISL. Ahead of their upcoming season opener against NorthEast United, Carles Cuadrat went on to say that it is not their job to defend the title right now. He further went on to say that the current focus of his side was to be competitive so that they can reach the playoffs for the third consecutive time in the Indian Super League (ISL).

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ISL News: Carles Cuadrat wary of the Highlanders

In a pre-match press conference with his new signings Raphael Augusto, Ashique Kuruniyan and Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Cuadrat said that 'defending the title' was an expression more commonly used in English football, while in Spain it's always just one more team competing to get the trophy. When asked for an opinion on the quality of NorthEast United's squad, the Spanish manager said that the Highlanders have a completely different team this season, along with a different coach. He further elucidated the impression that the fixture was going to be a tough one for the defending champions since they have no idea about what NorthEast United are going to offer this season.

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NorthEast United have made the most high-profile signing in the ISL this season by roping in former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan. Gyan, a former captain of the Ghanaian national team, comes with bags of experience, having plied his trade in Italy, France, England, and China during his earlier stints. Gyan is currently the leading all-time goalscorer for the Ghana national team, having netted 51 goals for his nation so far. 

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