'Again the schedule looks a bit crazy...' - Sergio Lobera on ISL's last phase

Sergio Lobera was assisted by Thoiba Singh who spoke on his experience of playing for the India U-23 team.

Odisha FC are going to face Bengaluru FC in their next match of the ISL 2023-24. The match is scheduled to be held on March 30, 2024, at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. 

The Kalinga Warriors have already lost their top spot in the points table and are now in fourth place while their opposition are placed seventh. Ahead of the game, Odisha FC’s head coach Sergio Lobera and player Thoiba Singh attended the press conference and answered the queries of the media. 

Recommencement of the league after a break

After the international break, the ISL will recommence with the match between Bengaluru FC and Odisha FC. The players of every team have got enough time for rest and will be well prepared to face the challenges ahead in the concluding part of the season. 

When a question was raised regarding the break and how it has helped the players, coach Sergio Lobera replied, “Again the schedule looks a bit crazy to us. But it was needed for the players to recover physically and mentally for the last phase of the league.”

“We are again going to play two games in four days. It is difficult to prepare the team when you are playing one away and one home game in these four days. But without any excuse, we just need to be prepared for the challenges and adapt ourselves to the situation,” he added.

On the game 

Odisha FC are going to face Bengaluru FC for the third time in the season and in both the previous occasions, the Kalinga Warriors have outclassed their opponent. Sergio Lobera had a very positive approach towards the game and also stated that they shouldn’t get carried away with the past results. 

He said, “We should not compare the previous games with tomorrow’s match. They are a difficult team to play against and they are also looking to get into the playoffs. From here, every game for both the teams will be like a final.”

Performance of Thoiba Singh for the U-23 national team 

Thoiba Singh helped the Indian U-23 team to draw their second friendly game against Malaysia by scoring the equalizer. The youngster also looked very energetic while addressing the press and spoke about his experience of representing the country. 

“It was a great experience for me. Last time I scored a goal for the national team was way back in 2017. Now I will push myself as much as I can and will prove myself in the ISL as well,” Thoiba stated.  

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