Bengaluru FC Begin Preparations for ISL 2026-27 Season with New Signings and Fresh Ambitions

Bengaluru FC officially kicked off preparations for the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season on Thursday, with the squad regrouping in Bengaluru for the start of pre-season training. 

After a shortened campaign under head coach Pep Muñoz last season, the Blues now have the opportunity to build from the ground up as they prepare for a full ISL campaign.

The return to training also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Bengaluru FC, with the club strengthening its squad through the additions of Spanish midfielder Borja Martinez and Portuguese defender Sandro Embalo. While both overseas recruits are yet to arrive in India as they complete visa formalities, they are expected to link up with the squad in Bengaluru shortly.

With a structured pre-season schedule, new signings, and a full campaign ahead, Bengaluru FC will be aiming to re-establish themselves as genuine contenders for the ISL title.

Pep Muñoz Looking Forward to a Full Season

The upcoming campaign will be the first full season in charge for head coach Pep Muñoz, who joined the club midway through the previous edition.

Muñoz made a positive impression during his brief stint last season, guiding Bengaluru FC to a fourth-place finish despite taking charge with limited preparation time. Under his leadership, the Blues registered two wins, three draws, and just one defeat, showing encouraging signs both tactically and defensively.

Now, with the benefit of a complete pre-season, the Spaniard believes the team can maximise its potential.

"It's exciting, as it's a full season this time, and we can truly maximise the potential of the squad. I am really looking forward to what the season holds for us," said Muñoz.

A longer preparation period will allow the coaching staff to implement their playing philosophy more effectively while integrating new signings into the system before competitive football begins.

Bengaluru FC have already moved to strengthen key areas of the squad ahead of the new season. Spanish midfielder Borja Martinez arrives with experience in European football and is expected to add creativity and control in midfield. His technical ability and passing range could provide the Blues with an additional dimension in possession.

Meanwhile, Portuguese defender Sandro Embalo is expected to reinforce the defensive unit. Bengaluru FC have traditionally built their success on defensive organisation, and Embalo's arrival should provide greater depth and competition in the backline.

Although both players are currently completing visa formalities, the club expects them to join the squad in Bengaluru once the process is completed.

Following the initial training sessions in Bengaluru, the team will travel to the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) in Bellary for an intensive pre-season camp. Scheduled from July 27 to 30, the camp will focus on physical conditioning, medical assessments, and high-intensity performance testing.

Modern pre-season programmes extend far beyond improving fitness levels. Clubs now use this period to monitor player workloads, assess recovery metrics, identify injury risks, and establish baseline physical data that can be tracked throughout the season.

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For Bengaluru FC, the camp at IIS will serve as the foundation for the months ahead before tactical preparations intensify closer to the start of the league.

Director of Football Darren Caldeira emphasised the significance of beginning preparations early, especially after last season's shorter campaign.

"After a short ISL campaign last season, getting back for pre-season at this stage is important for the squad. It gives the players the time they need to regroup, build fitness, and prepare properly for the challenges ahead. A strong pre-season lays the foundation for the season, allowing the team to be fully ready when the first game arrives."

His comments reflect the increasing emphasis clubs place on pre-season planning, recognising that physical preparation and tactical cohesion developed during these weeks often play a decisive role over the course of a long league campaign.

Since being founded by the JSW Group in 2013, Bengaluru FC have established themselves as one of the most successful clubs in Indian football. The club quickly became a dominant force after winning two I-League titles before transitioning into the Indian Super League, where they added another league championship to their trophy cabinet.

Bengaluru FC also created history on the continental stage by becoming the first and only Indian club to reach the AFC Cup final, a landmark achievement that elevated the club's reputation across Asia.

Playing their home matches at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the Blues have consistently enjoyed one of the strongest fan bases in Indian football, led by the passionate West Block Blues supporters' group.

Off the pitch, the club continues to invest heavily in grassroots development and youth football, helping nurture the next generation of players in Karnataka and across the country.

With pre-season now underway, Bengaluru FC's focus will gradually shift towards building momentum for the opening weeks of the ISL 2026-27 season.

The combination of a settled coaching setup, targeted overseas reinforcements, and a comprehensive preparation programme offers reasons for optimism. After narrowly missing out on a higher finish last season, the Blues will be aiming to challenge more consistently at the top end of the table.

For Pep Muñoz, the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping his squad, integrating new arrivals, and implementing the tactical identity he hopes will define Bengaluru FC throughout the campaign. With a full pre-season finally at his disposal, expectations will be considerably higher as one of Indian football's most successful clubs looks to return to title contention.