Juan Pedro Benali highlights 'three key factors' to overcome Odisha FC challenge

The Highlanders will be looking to win back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Indian Super League (ISL) club NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali addressed the media ahead of their upcoming home game against Odisha FC in matchweek 7. The Highlanders are entering their game against Odisha on the back off a resounding 5-0 victory.

Juan Pedro Benali was quick to emphasize that a win, whether by a large or small margin, still only brings three points. Ahead of a challenging match against Odisha at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Benali will be hoping for a repeat performance from his team if not the result.

Juan Pedro Benali’s focus on Odisha game

While talking about the Highlanders’ last result, the Spaniard was quick to shift focus on their upcoming game. Juan Pedro Benali stated, “People think that we won 5-0, so this one we should win by 12. The most important for us is to get the three points at home. It won’t be easy; it will be a tough game, but we hope we are ready for it.” It will be the club’s last home fixture before a string of away games through November.

Juan Pedro Benali insisted that he and his squad are focusing solely on the task at hand. He stated, “You know, we say in Spanish, if you think about the other game, you would lose the one today and you would lose the one tomorrow. You know, the most important is the game for tomorrow. When we finish that game, we start thinking about another game.”

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Strength of Odisha FC

Their upcoming opponent’s strength lies in set-pieces and aerial duels. The Spanish coach acknowledged the physical challenge his team faces, especially against tall players like Mourtada Fall. While talking about Odisha, Juan Pedro Benali stated, “Odisha are strong in set-pieces. We worked for it. The most important point for both teams tomorrow is not to concede.”

While anticipating a closely contested match, the Highlanders will be focused on defensive organization and limiting Odisha’s opportunities in the air.

The Spaniard will have his entire squad at his disposal to play against Odisha. He also confirmed the availability of striker Guillermo Fernandez, who missed the Highlanders’ last two games through injury.

Benali highlights need for a water-tight defense

Juan Pedro Benali also highlighted the need to address his team’s tendency to lose control in the final phases of matches. While talking about the need to impose calmness and retain possession, he stated, “The problem is, sometimes we just get nervous and lose the ball very quickly. Just hold the ball a little bit more… Be calm, concentrate, focus.”

While the club currently holds the fifth spot in the ISL standings, the Highlanders will be looking to earn back-to-back wins by beating Odisha. Benali and his men will be hoping to build on their winning momentum in their game against Odisha.

Ahead of their final home game before the international break, the Highlanders will be looking to deal some damage to Odisha’s ISL playoff hopes.

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