Pep Muñoz raises national-team coordination concerns ahead of Bengaluru FC trip to Goa
Pep Muñoz warned of coordination issues with national-team call-ups and recovery ahead of Bengaluru FC’s Indian Super League match against FC Goa at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Friday, November 06,th 2026, with kick-off at 7:30 PM IST in Gameweek 5 of ISL 2026-27. The Bengaluru head coach made the remarks during his pre-match press conference before the away fixture.
The ISL has reached its 5th Gameweek and Bengaluru sit third in the table with seven points from three matches, having recorded two wins and a draw. FC Goa occupy sixth place with five points from three fixtures after starting the season with 1-1 draws against Chennaiyin FC and Sporting Club Delhi and then beating Inter Kashi 2-1 to register their first win.
On the challenge of playing in Goa and confronting FC Goa’s squad, Muñoz said: “We know it’s our second game away, and especially in Goa, the conditions are a little different with the humidity and hot weather. It will be a tough game, not only because of the weather but also because of the opponent we have to face. For me, they are one of the teams with better players to play good football. They do a lot of good things during games, and they also play international games, which makes them more competitive. “But again, we have to show our style, our idea and our personality, and try to be competitive throughout the game, like we did last weekend, and try to get the best result.”
Muñoz contrasted this season with his first at the club, underlining the value of a full pre-season and a larger squad: “First of all, we could have a proper pre-season, so we had time to work and develop our game idea, as well as include the new players in our tactics and structure. Last season, I didn’t have that time. I just came in and faced the games one by one, with a short squad. It’s totally different this season. “I think this team is closer to what I want to see. Last season, I didn’t have too much time to work on that, and at the end, it’s definitely different. Obviously, having a bigger squad this season also helps a lot in allowing the team to show the identity that I want.”
Reflecting on the 1-1 draw at NorthEast United FC, Muñoz described the result as a point gained and stressed specific areas for improvement: “We dropped two points, or we won one point, it depends on how you look at it. I’m always positive, so I think we took one point at NorthEast’s stadium. It’s difficult to play away against teams that play quite directly, with fast players up front. They were also playing with a lot of confidence at home. “Against Goa, I expect a different game because they are a different team. They want possession, and they have Spanish players that I know quite well. I know how they play and what they can offer. So, from our side, it will also be a different setup, different pressing and different options to keep possession, create chances and win the ball back. “Every game is different. The lesson from the last game is that we have to be more clinical. When we get chances, we have to score. We also need to be more consistent in keeping possession because that’s what we want to do. Otherwise, we suffer. We need better possession with more intent and must continue progressing towards what we want to show on the pitch.”
Addressing the upcoming FIFA international break, Muñoz explained how the club will use the period for recovery and tactical work while expressing frustration about previous national-team interactions: “Obviously, we have another break. This is a FIFA break, so it’s mandatory. But we use these gaps to work on our game idea and correct some individual actions, especially to develop the players much better in certain individual and group situations. We will have a lot of things to correct and improve from the last game, and we’ll also give the players some rest. “Some of them will go with their national teams, while others will stay here and work with the team. It’s what it is. It’s a resting week, but we will keep working to be as prepared as possible for the next league game. “Last time, Ryan Williams played a lot of minutes and wasn’t given enough rest. Other players were training without communication with us, so we didn’t know what they were doing or how they were training.
Bengaluru are scheduled to face Mumbai City FC after the international break, and Muñoz expressed hope about the condition and timing of returning internationals: “Hopefully, the players selected for the national teams will come back in time. I’m not sure if they will return in time to play against Mumbai, but at least I hope they come back in the best possible condition” he concluded.
