Considering the fond memories, it's a pleasure to return to Salt Lake Stadium, says Sergio Lobera

Odisha FC boss Sergio Lobera is cautious of the challenge East Bengal pose.

Banking on a five-match unbeaten streak in the ISL, Odisha FC are poised to face East Bengal in their upcoming fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on 22 December.

The Juggernauts currently hold the fifth position in the points table, having accumulated 17 points from nine matches. East Bengal, on the other hand, are positioned seventh with 10 points from nine matches.

Prior to the match, Odisha FC boss Sergio Lobera and player Thoiba Singh shared their insights regarding the same. Excerpts are below:

Back at the hunting ground 

Odisha FC had some good memories in the past few matches at the Salt Lake Stadium. They will surely look to keep the momentum on their side in the next outing. Sergio Lobera said, “I am delighted with the team’s current performance. We are performing well in all competitions, both in the AFC Cup and the ISL. It is a pleasure to return here to play again, especially considering the fond memories we have of our previous games at this stadium. However, we are fully aware that the next game presents a different set of challenges, and we are prepared for it.”

Mental advantage of being on a winning streak

A win in one outing always provides positive energy going into the next. When asked about the mental advantage of players, Lobera replied, “The mental aspect is crucial in this scenario. Our current standing in the classification is favorable, and tomorrow presents a significant opportunity for us to extend our lead. Securing a victory would grant us a 10-point advantage over East Bengal after 10 games.”

“However, despite these potential gains, I remain cautious as tomorrow’s match is expected to be challenging. Nevertheless, it stands as a substantial opportunity for us given our recent successes,” he added.

Team’s preparation for the next game

When asked about the team’s preparations and level of motivation before taking the field, the response highlighted the comprehensive nature of the preparation and the unwavering motivation that drives the team prior to each match. Thoiba Singh said, “Over the past few days, we have been undergoing rigorous training, with the team displaying great motivation, particularly following our recent triumph. We are hopeful for a positive outcome in tomorrow’s game.”

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