Every game now is like a final, says Odisha FC boss Josep Gombau

The head coach emphasized the importance of their last three games to qualify for the playoffs.

Having won only one game from their last nine fixtures, Odisha FC are currently in seventh place with 24 points from 17 games. They are one point shy of the sixth-placed Bengaluru FC. Friday's game, thus, is of enormous importance for Josep Gombau's side as a win can take them within the top six. On the other hand, the game is essential for Hyderabad FC as well as they would like to keep pressure on Mumbai City FC for the top position till the season's end.

A day prior to the game, Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau and full-back Denechandra Meitei attended the pre-match press conference. Edited excerpts from the conference are as follows.

Importance of Friday's game

Josep Gombau stated the importance of Friday's game, especially playing at home. He reiterated that every game is like a knockout match for his team.

"It is a very important game. We have three games to finish the league. Every game is now like a final. We are preparing well. We had a very short time to prepare for the game as we played last Monday. But tomorrow we will have a very good game because we want to be in the top six. Hence, it is very important to get a good result (on Friday)."

Team's approach going into last three games of the season

Gombau revealed the approach of his team going into the last three games of the season. He first talked about the team's mentality in the previous game and expressed his thoughts on the same. He said, "We are in a good position. I think three teams are involved in getting two positions in the top six.

"Every single game is therefore very important. The last game was good. We began the game by conceding a goal. We needed to change the result and we did well in the first half. I think we did very well until the moment when we went down to 10 men. Then it became more difficult."

On the approach toward the last three games, the tactician added, "We are pursuing every game with a winning mentality. Knowing that we need a good result to keep our hopes for a play-off spot alive, we are going game-by-game. Tomorrow, Hyderabad is coming here. They are a very good team. They have not lost many games. This is the moment for us to be strong to get a good result. We are a team that gets good results here at home. It is very important for us to get at least some points from tomorrow's game."

Missing Narender due to suspension

The Spaniard sounded confident about his team's bench strength upon being asked about missing Narender on Friday. Josep Gombau asserted that there are many players in the squad who can substitute for the suspended centre-back. He said, "We have different options in defence. We have other players who can do the job in place of him and I am sure they will. We are thinking of playing in our way and style and not changing much. Missing Narender will be an opportunity for another player."

Bengaluru FC overtaking Odisha FC on the points table

The 46-year-old tactician talked about Bengaluru FC overtaking his side on the points table and what it means for his side now. He admitted that his team is now a bit dependent on the results of other teams. At the same time, he asserted that if his team can do their job optimally, there is a high possibility that Odisha will be among the top six.

"We need to check the result of everything. First, we need to be thinking about what we would do. There are nine points available. If we get all these nine points, there will be nothing to worry about. It is true that we are dependent on the results of the opposition teams. It matters because if we don't get a result and they also don't get a result, it will keep us alive.

"I believe the top six race will continue till the last moment. We will be in the competition till the last game of the league stage. If we want to be among the top six, we need to win at least seven points from the available nine points."

Odisha FC's poor goal conversion rate

Josep Gombau expressed his thoughts on the team's low conversion rate whereby they are creating numerous chances but converting only a handful. He stated, "We scored in the first half. This is football. We create chances and then we score one goal. In the last game also we created many chances. We approach every game in a definite way. In some games, you score three goals while in others you do not score any goals. Tomorrow is an important game and we all have the aim to score goals and win the game."

Importance of the last three games

The head coach emphasized on the importance of their last three games for qualification to the playoffs. He said that while winning is a huge step toward playoffs, losing is not an option. He said, "The last three games are very important. Every game is very important now. If we win tomorrow, we will take a big step toward qualification.

"But the most important thing is to not lose. If we don't lose, we will stay alive in the playoff race irrespective of what the opposing teams do. But we need to do our job and have a winning mentality to win the game."

Denechandra Meitei on his experience of playing for Odisha

Denechandra came to Odisha on loan from Kerala Blasters this season. At the presser, he threw light on how this decision has been panning out throughout this season. He said, "My season is going very well after coming here. I am getting starts, though, I want to start more games. We fight a lot in training sessions. So, I strongly believe that something good will happen this season."

Denechandra Meitei on tackling second-placed Hyderabad FC

The full-back talked about their approach to tackling Hyderabad FC. He sounded confident about Odisha winning if all the players can play their part effectively. He stated, "All of us (players) know what we need to do in tomorrow's game. If we can fulfill what we need to do, then we can definitely win."