Bengaluru FC aimed to rub shoulders with the best in Asia: Ashley Westwood

Bengaluru, Nov 2: Former Bengaluru FC manager Ashley Westwood who guided the team to the quarter-final of AFC Cup 2016 has finally spoken about The Blues' chances against Iraq's Airforce Club in the final.

Bengaluru FC are on the cusp of winning the coveted AFC Cup trophy and become the first Indian club to do so. On October 19, they scripted history by becoming first Indian club to reach the final of the competition. [Chhetri hails Bengaluru FC] [They are a good side but we back ourselves: Roca]

Ashley Westwood was in charge from the inception of this club and is familiar with almost all the players of this squad.

The British manager created this team and was vastly responsible for the success which the club is enjoying at the moment.

As his very own team take on the West Asian giants on Saturday (November 5) night Westwood opens up to Goal.com.

Westwood was quoted: "Regarding a West Asian team, it will be a good test , and that's where the club has always aimed to rub shoulders with the best in Asia.

"I can see the players relishing the occasion as over the last three years they have been accustomed to playing in big games."

The I-League champions have adopted a different tactic under newly appointed manager Albert Roca. They mostly concentrate on consolating the defence and then focus on attack.

On Bengaluru's new formation, Westwood said: "The game will be about possession and who is more comfortable on the ball.

"Bengaluru FC has recently adopted a defensive 4-4-1-1 system with a long ball style. So it will be interesting how this (tactic) fares in west Asia - the sit-back-counterattacking approach."

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