Clifford Miranda: We will try to go and win

The coach talked about their journey in the Hero Super Cup.

Odisha FC take on NorthEast United on 22nd April 2023 in the second semifinal of the Hero Super Cup. Clifford Miranda's boys emerged as the group champions from a group containing East Bengal and Hyderabad FC.

The side has been in good form right from the go and is now eyeing silverware. Prior to the semifinal, Odisha FC coach Clifford Miranda addressed the pre-match press conference. Edited excerpts from the conference are as follows.

On Odisha FC's journey so far

Clifford Miranda talked about Odisha FC's journey in the Super Cup. He said, "I think we did very well in our first game. We were down by a goal even though we were dominating the game. I believe we were the better side in terms of possession and control. In the second half, we plugged the problems that we had in the first half. And we scored a goal. And then it was anybody's game. They were good in their transition. That was typical East Bengal playing to their strength. I think the 1-1 result was fair."

About the other games, he added, "In the second game, we play at five. It is difficult to play in the heat. We got the much-needed goal in the second half. Then, we control the game throughout." In the last game, we played against Hyderabad. We made some mistakes that cost us a goal. In the second half, we got a set piece, at a time we wanted it. We scored from it and then controlled the game."

Thoughts on NorthEast United FC

Miranda expressed his opinion on their opponents in the semifinal. He stated, "Their situation is the same as ours. They have qualified from a tough group. They have scored nine or ten goals. So, they are a threat. They have one of the best strikers in the ISL. Jordan. He has scored eight goals in the ISL and six goals in the Super Cup. They are a big threat. They have Jitendra. They will be playing as forwards and it will be very interesting."

On stopping Wilmar Jordan

Clifford Miranda talked about his team's plans to stop Wilmar Jordan. He said, "That's something we have worked on. We will see how we can stop NorthEast. It's not just about one man. For us too, the whole team has to work together to try and neutralize him. If you man-mark one person, then it may get difficult. Hence, we will like to collectively neutralize him."

On the importance of the semifinal

The former India international talked about the importance of the semifinal game. He said, "It is important. Every game is important. We will try to go and win. But, if something goes wrong, there is always something else to look at. It is an important game. But it is not the final. There are so many more games to come."