We're going out for Durand Cup revenge, says Josep Gombau ahead of BFC game

The coach also spoke about the contrasting brand of football of the two teams.

Odisha FC is set to meet Bengaluru FC in their second home game of the season at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. The Juggernauts will be back on the field just three days after playing their last game on Sunday (23rd October). It has been a good start for Josep Gombau's side with two wins from three games. They would like to continue their momentum by cashing in on their home support.

Benagluru FC, on the other hand, have had a shaky start to the season with only one win from three games. Thus, Thursday's match is all set to be a mouth-watering clash between two very balanced sides. One day before the match, Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau and midfielder Raynier Fernandes addressed the media at the pre-match press conference.

Here's what they had to say.

Gombau on his approach for the BFC game

Josep Gombau expressed how he is viewing this game against Bengaluru FC. He stressed on how important the match is for them because of their previous encounter with Bengaluru (in a Durand Cup knockout fixture) in which they lost in the 120th minute. He said, "It is an important game for us, playing at home. It is our second game at home. We had very short time to prepare for the game, but I think we are ready. The players are hungry and I think tomorrow we will have a very good game.

"Bengaluru FC is a very good team. We have this aim of revenge as they beat us in the Durand Cup. With this mentality, we are approaching the game . We will try to win tomorrow and leave the stadium with a good mental framework," the tactician added.

On winning two games coming from behind

Gombau praised the mentality of his team for registering two comeback wins from their three fixtures. He asserted that the mental framework of his team is a big asset.

"The team showed a very strong mentality (in the games). When you come back into games, it means that the players are hungry and they have a strong mentality to go ahead and do it. I hope and encourage them to do it anytime when we need. We know that a game is of 90 minutes. Until the last whistle, we need to work and fight."

Also Read: Preview: Odisha FC aim to turn the tables against Bengaluru FC

He added, "For sure, it will be better if we can start winning games and get positive results without conceding first. But for any reason, if we concede a goal before we score and the opposition team is leading, I think we have this capacity to work it and bring back the game in the manner in which we did in two of our previous games."

Facing Bengaluru FC for a second time is of advantage?

Josep Gombau did not think that playing Benagluru for a second time is of any real advantage as all the teams of the league know the other teams. He reiterated the team's intent to get a revenge on Bengaluru for the defeat in the Durand Cup. He said, "We know one another very well. We also know all the teams in the league as we can see how the teams play. For us, I think this game triggers extra motivation because we lost in the 120th minute with 10 men. We will use all those bad feelings from our previous encounter and bring back a nice performance."

The tactician further said, "Almost everybody knows everybody in this league. I believe all the games are very equal. They (Bengaluru FC) are a very good side. They have very talented players. It will be a very good game. I think we can win because we have prepared very well. All of us are very excited about the game tomorrow because they are coming with very big names. It will also be a good opportunity for fans to see Sunil Chhetri live. I hope we will have a lot of people at the stadium tomorrow who want to enjoy a good football game and support the local team."

On the contrasting brand of football of the two clubs

When asked about the two teams' contrasting style of football and Bengaluru's physically imposing capacity, Gombau heaped praise on the Blues by stating that they (Bengaluru FC) play a very attractive brand of football. He compared the two sides' styles of football and opined, "It will be a very good game. Bengaluru is a physically imposing team. They have a very consistent style of playing. We know exactly what we want. I see an equal game that will be decided by small things and small details. I am working on these."

He further explained how his team is approaching the game by saying, "I have seen their (BFC's) players play. They have a method to win games. Here, in front of our fans, we will try to win the game. Knowing that we are at home, we need to win the points as it is important for us. The most important thing is that my team knows what we are doing. I can see a game that will be tough but we are ready for the battle."

Raynier on his experience of playing under Josep Gombau

In reply to a question seeking an answer to what has been his experience so far playing under Gombau, Raynier Fernandes stated that he is enjoying his time at Odisha FC under the tactician. He informed, "I spoke to the coach before signing for the club and he told me how I will improve as an individual (playing under him). When I came for the new season, it was a new team for me. It was a new beginning, a new journey. The coach has given confidence to me and all the individuals."

He added, "I got to learn a lot from the coach. I got to learn what I thought was missing in me or something that I had to improve upon. If there is any mistake or any problem, the coach would tell me. That's how you build your own confidence in training as well as in games. It has been quite some time now with this team and the coach.

"The coach has big aims for individual players as well as for the team. It is a positive thing for the team because of the environment. If this (positive) mentality is there, then the players have the confidence to do well in training as well as in matches. So, it gets easier for the players to work with a coach like Josep (Gombau)," Raynier stated.

On the pulse of the dressing room

Raynier talked positively about the club's dressing room situation. He asserted that the environment in the team is very healthy, which is further driving the team to perform well. He said, "When I am in the dressing room with all the players, I feel I have the confidence to perform well. It gives me a positive mind. I feel like when I am going to play a game, I will simply enjoy it. That's the confidence the coach has given me and the team. It gets easier when you go and deliver. That's what motivates the team. It just gets easier to play if you are happy in your mind."

On his targets as an individual and as a group

On being asked about his goals with the team, Raynier emphasised on his need to have more and more game-time. He also talked about getting positive results from every game. He asserted, "Firstly, I need the playing time that I want, which is only going to be possible if I train well and show the coach that I deserve to be in the playing XI. Every game or every team we play in front of are very different. Our plan and training are also different depending on whichever team we are going to face. So, I need to cope up with the team, do what the coach says, and need to work really hard to show the coach that I deserve a place in the first XI. My aim is to get as much playing time as possible and get results in every game. We are really working very hard for it and waiting for the right moment to get these points."