Pep Muñoz backs Gurpreet Singh Sandhu ahead of Bengaluru FC’s ISL opener with SC Delhi
Pep Muñoz backed goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and previewed Bengaluru FC’s 2026–27 Indian Super League opener against SC Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, October 10. He addressed the media at the club’s pre-match press conference and responded to criticism of Gurpreet following India’s friendly against Brazil.
Bengaluru FC will begin the new campaign at home and are aiming for a strong start in front of their supporters as they embark on a season described in the club release as having renewed ambitions. The 2026–27 season is Pep Muñoz’s first full campaign in charge after he took over midway through the previous season and guided the team to a fourth-place finish. Muñoz said he now has an entire season to implement his playing philosophy and to build a side capable of challenging for silverware.
Muñoz spoke about the squad’s preparations and his reaction to the return of competitive football after an extended pre-season, saying: “It has been a long pre-season, and we are very excited that the league is finally starting. The squad is ready. They have been waiting for a long time to be on the pitch.” He added: “We have had enough time to set up our game ideas and our methodology. Obviously, on Saturday, we want to put everything on the pitch, especially here at home with our supporters behind us. It will be an exciting day for us.”
On the opponents, Muñoz warned that SC Delhi would be difficult to break down after recent competitive action, noting their form in earlier tournaments and the quality in their squad. “Delhi is a really strong opponent, and it will be a tough game. They have the rhythm of the competition after playing two competitions recently. They have some really good foreign and local players.” He stressed the need for controlled game management at home: “We know it will be a difficult game, so we need to be patient and manage it well. But we play at home; we have confidence in our preparation, and I feel we are ready to compete. We have prepared well and, especially at home with our supporters, we want to start the season in the right way.”
Muñoz defended Gurpreet after the goalkeeper drew scrutiny for being substituted at half-time during India’s international friendly against Brazil, pointing to positive moments earlier in the match. “He is the best goalkeeper in the country. Sometimes people take bad actions and post them on social media, and everyone calls it a big, big, big mistake.” He also singled out Gurpreet’s initial saves: “But no one talks about the first 20 minutes of the game, when he made two saves against Vinícius. He was perfect in the first 20 minutes of a huge game. I’m very happy to have him back.”
Muñoz commented on the ISL’s format change for the season, noting the return of a home-and-away league alongside a playoff for the top six teams and raising a question about the competition’s ultimate champion. “I prefer the other format home and away, champion, done. But if you finish sixth or you finish on top, you have to show it again in the playoffs.” He added: “In the end, who is the champion? The champion of the regular season or the champion of the playoffs? But this is just my personal opinion. We will go with what we have.”
Bengaluru FC will now turn their attention to the opening fixture against SC Delhi at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, where Muñoz hopes his side can convert pre-season preparation into a positive result. The match will be the first competitive game of Muñoz’s full season in charge and an early opportunity to set the tone for Bengaluru’s campaign.