A Loss In The Maldives Puts Bengaluru FC’s Asian Progress In Doubt, But Goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte Believes Now Is The Time To Show Character…

He’s rarely put a foot, or arm, wrong in a Blue shirt and Lalthuammawia Ralte, a stand-in captain for most of the Blues’ Asian campaign this season, spoke to us about captaining the team, the loss to New Radiant SC in Male, and more.

“Leading any team out is a massive feeling, and to be leading this team out, especially, is a big motivation for me. We played well in the AFC Cup qualifying and even in the group stages, and despite the loss on Wednesday, it’s been a great run.”

Twenty-five-year-old Ralte put in a brilliant shift between the sticks when the Maldivian side met the Blues at the Fortress, before an injury time goal from Nishu Kumar sealed the points in what was a crucial win for Albert Roca’s men.

“It’s important to stay focused all the time when you’re a goalkeeper. A save on this end of the field is sometimes as important as a goal on the other end. I’m happy to have been able to do my bit, especially in games that were close and won by small margins.”

With nine points from a possible 12, the Blues sit in second place in Group E, behind New Radiant, who hold a superior head-to-head record. Oscar Bruzon’s side must drop points if the Blues are to qualify for the knockout stages but Ralte believes Bengaluru are focused on their own results.

“It’s always been tough to play in the Maldives. The conditions are not favourable, the opposition’s always tough and though we tried our best, it wasn’t to be. It’s a tough thing to accept that one loss has put us in this position. It’s quite demotivating, to know that we could end up with fifteen points and still not make it. But, that’s football.”

With the Blues missing out on Asian football for the 2018-19 season, a big final push is important, says Ralte, regardless of whether they qualify or not. “It’s very important for the club to keep performing until the end, because we’ve made a name for ourselves in Asia. People know us, and they know that we are the best club in India.”

Signing off, Ralte adds a note of gratitude to the Blues’ faithful, who have been unwavering in their support from the stands.

“It’s been a great season. I cannot ask for anything more from the fans, who have been brilliant all year. We fought hard in the ISL, we picked ourselves in time to win the Super Cup and now we’re fighting for a place in the knockout rounds of the AFC Cup. I’m very happy with the way we performed this season, and now is the time to show character, keep our heads high and fight on.”