Squad is upbeat and ready to go again, says Odisha FC asst. coach Floyd Pinto

Floyd Pinto also spoke positively about his former club NorthEast United.

Odisha FC are going to face NorthEast United in their last Indian Super League (ISL) group stage game on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.  While the Juggernauts have already progressed to the playoffs, this match will also remain crucial for them to keep the winning momentum which will surely help them enter the playoffs with the needed confidence. 

Ahead of the match, Odisha FC’s assistant coach Floyd Pinto and striker Diego Mauricio attended the pre-match press conference. Let’s dive deep into the excerpts.

League not over yet

Odisha FC have been magnificent throughout the season. When a question was raised to sum up their performance in the league stage, assistant coach Floyd Pinto replied, “The league is not over in the first place. We still have a game to play. I think we have gone from being in contention for the top-six throughout the year to also being in contention for the ISL Shield, which in itself says a lot about our efforts, along with the performances of the players, not just on the field but also the efforts put in by the staff.” 

“We are looking forward to winning something for our supporters and the club because we believe that at this point, we can be competitive with any team in the league,” he added. 

Have been enjoying football

Floyd Pinto had a very positive answer when asked about the reaction of the squad at the moment. He exclaimed, “We have been enjoying our football. Playing every game without pressure is not so easy. We’ve been playing every game with enthusiasm and with positivity. Losses happen in football. Last game was a close one. It was a game of fine margins. The squad is upbeat and ready to go again.” 

“We know we have a tough game against NorthEast United and the all-important playoffs coming forward. The mentality is positive and we are approaching every game with that positivity and with an intent to win,” he mentioned. 

Thoughts on NorthEast United

Although NorthEast United couldn’t make it to the playoffs, they had some promising matches in the season. The Odisha FC tactician appreciated their opponent’s performance this season, as he stated, “I have been at the club last season. It was possibly the most turbulent season for me as there were a lot of ups and downs.

“But the Super Cup was a nice stable platform for the club last season. I believe what the club is doing now, is more important off the field. It’s not a one-season job to turn the club around. But from what they have done on and off the field, I think they have made a good foundation for the coming years to come.”

“Playing against a team with the same intensity, a team that has a purpose, and a team that wants to prove themselves in the ISL is not going to be easy. So, it’s going to be a good game and it’s always good to come up against your former sides and familiar faces,” Pinto added. 

“I know, NorthEast are not going to the playoffs, but these guys are going to play in front of their fans, which is also their last home game this season. We also have to win the rest of the games for our fans than for ourselves,” Mauricio added at the end.

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