We don't want to play every three days, says Sergio Lobera before Hyderabad game

Sergio Lobera also spoke on how he wants to focus on the challenge and not the problem.

After defeating Kerala Blasters FC at the Kalinga Stadium and moving up to the second place in the ISL 2023-24 points table, Odisha FC are now gearing up to face Hyderabad FC at the Gachibowli Stadium on February 5, 2024. 

Hyderabad FC currently occupy the bottom position in the table, having secured four points from 12 matches, whereas Odisha have accumulated 27 from 13 fixtures. A victory in the upcoming match would propel the Juggernauts to the pole position.

Ahead of the upcoming match, head coach of Odisha FC, Sergio Lobera, and player Hitesh Sharma, attended the press conference where they provided insightful responses to inquiries pertaining to the match.

Preparations ahead of the game

In a week’s time, Odisha FC will be participating in their third match. Consecutive matches not only create a hectic schedule and increase the risk of injuries but can also have an impact on the team’s performance.

“We don’t want to play every three days. But we need to try to find a way to prepare the team as best as possible and not try to find excuses because we are losing time. Obviously we are tired after playing one game. It’s not easy with traveling in the middle. But this is the situation. We shall now think about the challenge, not about the problem,” Sergio Lobera asserted about the difficulties the team faces when they have a consecutive matches in a short period of time.

Last game a confidence booster?

Kerala Blasters FC have been performing exceptionally well this season. However, they faced a defeat in at the hands of Odisha FC at the Kalinga. This outcome is likely to boost the confidence of the Juggernauts as they prepare to face Hyderabad FC.

“Obviously it was good for us to win the match against a good team like Kerala, who were placed higher in the points table than us. But as I always say, football is about the present, not the past. It’s not about what we did, it’s about what we need to do in the next game,” the tactician mentioned.

Hitesh facing a former club

Hitesh Sharma, who recently joined Odisha FC, was a part of Hyderabad FC for the past few seasons. When the question was raised about facing his former club, he replied, “In my mind, I’m just preparing for the next game and following my coach’s instruction. For me, it’s only that I have to go into the training with a mindset to improve.”

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