Josep Gombau: We are trying hard to sign an Indian winger in January

The Odisha FC head coach also spoke on how he plans to stop Mumbai City.

Odisha FC will be looking to get their ISL 2022-23 campaign back on track against a high-flying Mumbai City at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday. It will definitely be a tough task for Josep Gombau's side who are currently on a three-match winless run. On the other hand, Mumbai City are coming into the game in scintillating form as the team is yet to taste a defeat in the season.

Prior to the game, Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau and striker Diego Mauricio addressed the pre-match press conference. Edited excerpts from the same are as follows.

Takeaways from the Kerala Blasters game

Gombau expressed his opinion on the team's performance against Kerala Blasters. He stated that his team was dominant for most part of the game but their performance dipped toward the end. He said:

"I think in the last game against Kerala we played quite well. In the first half, the game was on our side. We created one good chance through which we could have scored. In the second half, Kerala took the lead in the 70th minute after an equal half of football. Physically also, we struggled a little bit as it was hot and humid. We are not used to playing under such circumstances. But I do believe that small details decide a game. They scored their goal as a consequence of a cycle of mistakes we made. From then on, it was very good football from them."

On not being able to score despite dominating proceedings

While reacting to Odisha's inability to score in their last three games, the mentor said that the positive takeaway from the games is the fact that they are able to create chances. He stated:

"As I said last week, if we did not create chances, I would be worried. Against Kerala, we created many chances. In the last week, we worked to achieve better resilience in the final third. But I do think we have good players on the top and I hope we will start scoring from tomorrow, which will bring the results."

On tackling Mumbai City

Josep Gombau expressed his opinion on Mumbai City and shared his thoughts on how his side is planning to play against the Islanders. He said:

"We don't underestimate Mumbai. They have a very strong squad and are one of the best teams in this league. They are a team that has been scoring many goals. As the coach of Odisha, I believe we need to find a way to damage them. We will definitely have our chance to get a good result from this game."

The Spaniard continued, "We are working. The players are ready, and everybody is hungry to have a good game on Monday. We will try to maintain the good results that we are having here at home. Of course, we respect Mumbai as they are a very good side. However, our job is to try to win and this is our mentality.

He added, "We will approach the game in the same manner as we approach other games. We will try to press high up the field and keep as much of the ball as we can. We will try to play with speed. We are not a team designed to sit down and wait for the opponent. For sure, with the movements of the players and their mentality, we will create chances and we need to take these chances."

Transfer window activities

Josep Gombau shared his plans for the January transfer window at the presser. He mentioned that the team is in good shape. However, he opined that the team demands a new winger.

"We are happy with the team we have. Everyone is working very hard. It is true that we are missing a player in one particular position. We are also missing on the wings as we don't have Isak (Vanruatfela, who has gone back home for personal reasons) and (Michael) Soosairaj, who is on a long-term injury. Isak left for personal reasons. So, now, we would like to find one more player who can bring depth to the wings. The club and I, both of us are working hard to identify this player, an Indian winger, who can bring more depth into this particular position."

Mauricio on playing against his former side Mumbai City

Diego Mauricio expressed his thoughts on Mumbai City's quality and how it feels to play against his former side. He said:

"The game will be difficult because of Mumbai's current form. But we are also prepared to face them. We had very good training the last week, keeping in mind the Mumbai game. The coach is very good for us. The mentality of the team is also very positive. I know Mumbai is a very good team with some very good players. But we have a very good feeling about the game, playing at home."