It’s a catch-22 facing most ISL managers – who’ve traditionally made do with a foreigner each along the spine of the defence, midfield and attack. However, the lack of goal threat from Indian wingers and strikers has forced alternative plans – Jose Molina’s Mohun Bagan have adapted with packing their midfield with Indians, and Zaragoza’s BFC have opted for the defence.
Mumbai City FC won the Indian Super League last season on the back of their excellent all-Indian attack, but one could argue that an all-Indian defence is braver. There’s no room for errors in a final, while even if an all-Indian attack goes off the boil, tweaks can be made. Football has a habit of rewarding the brave, and come April 12th, Zaragoza will be hoping that his all-Indian defence will be the one doing all the trophy-lifting.
