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Renedy Singh

Renedy Singh Opens Up on Team Selection and Fitness Ahead of Crucial Clash against NorthEast United

Samannay Sen

Published - Feb 21, 2026, 10:49 AM

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Renedy Singh Opens Up on Team Selection and Fitness Ahead of Crucial Clash against NorthEast United

Summary

Bengaluru FC return to Kanteerava Stadium full of confidence after a 2-0 opening win over SC Delhi, with goals from Sivasakthi Narayanan and Sunil Chhetri sealing a perfect start.
NorthEast United travel to Bengaluru aiming to bounce back from defeat to East Bengal and end their away win drought against the Blues, dating back to 2018.
In a shortened 13-game season, every point matters, and Renedy Singh remains cautious, recalling NorthEast’s 2-2 draw on their last visit.

Bengaluru FC head back to the Kanteerava Stadium with confidence in their stride after a solid 2-0 win over SC Delhi to kick off the ISL 2025–26 season. Goals from Sivasakthi Narayanan and Sunil Chhetri, combined with a disciplined defensive display, gave the Blues exactly the kind of start they would have hoped.

NorthEast United arrive in Bengaluru eager to respond after a tough opening defeat to East Bengal. The Highlanders also carry an added motivation, they haven’t beaten the Blues away from home since 2018, and breaking that streak would be a major statement.

With the season condensed into just 13 games, every point already feels crucial. Despite the winning start, Renedy Singh knows there’s no room for complacency, especially against a NorthEast side that held Bengaluru FC to a 2-2 draw the last time they visited the Fortress.

Whether Sunil Chhetri Will Make a Place in the Starting XI

When asked about the importance of Sunil Chhetri and his role in the team, the Bengaluru FC coach stated.

“Of course, as players, we all want to start in the first eleven. But Sunil is improving and getting better every day. What he has done for Indian football and for BFC has been nothing short of exceptional.
He understands his role in the team, and whenever he comes on, he gives 100 percent. I can see that he is gradually getting back to his best.”

Sivasakthi was brilliant in the last game and scored one of the crucial goals that led Bengaluru FC against the Highlanders. Singh added, “Siva has impressed me from day one since I became head coach. Even before I joined, he had a very good season, although there was a dip in his form after that.

Since we began training, he has been one of the best performers on the ground and has continued that form consistently. I just hope he stays injury-free and keeps fighting for his place in the team. If he continues to give his best, the whole team will benefit from it.”

Fitness Concerns and Starting XI

With the ISL being played in a shorter, more condensed format this season, featuring fewer matches and longer gaps between fixtures, the head coach was asked whether maintaining player fitness could become a challenge. He was also questioned on whether he plans to rotate his squad accordingly or stick with a winning combination after beginning the campaign on a positive note.

Renedy Singh elucidated his thoughts on the players.

“Look, even though people may call it a short league or a different format, we are taking it one match at a time.
Fitness is definitely important, but we will always select the best possible eleven based on form and fitness. We have a squad of 24 players, and that gives us healthy competition. Whoever is starting right now has earned that place because we believe they are the best option at this moment.
At the same time, the players coming off the bench are also making a strong impact, which is very important. In the last match, the substitutes gave their 100 percent and made a difference. That is the kind of competition we want, whether you are in the starting eleven, on the bench, or even outside the matchday squad.
We are one unit. It’s not just about eleven players or even twenty; all 24 of us are part of this team. Whoever trains the best and performs the best will continue to fight for their position.”