Impossible to win ISL without developing Indian players, says Sergio Lobera on ISL 2024-25 Media Day

The Juggernauts are aiming for a strong campaign with a revamped squad.

Odisha FC are all set to start their Indian Super League(ISL) season, kicking off their campaign against Chennaiyin FC on 14th September at their home ground, Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. The team has made many promising signings this season, including Hugo Boumous from Mohun Bagan, and emerging talents like Rahim Ali, Raynier Fernandes, Amey Ranawade, Rohit Kumar, and Givson Singh.

The 2023-24 season was somewhat unlucky for Odisha FC as they lost in the final of the 2024 Super Cup and were knocked out in the ISL semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate score after leading the first leg 2-1. Head coach Sergio Lobera sat down with Thoiba Singh Moirangthem, Carlos Delgado, and the newly signed Rahim Ali to attend to the media ahead of the season.

On how Odisha FC competed very well in the last season

The manager expressed that the previous season was amazing, as the team played in three different competitions: the ISL, the Kalinga Super Cup, and the AFC Cup. He elaborated, “We were the group toppers of the AFC Cup, where strong teams like Mohun Bagan and Bashundhara Kings were present.

“We ended up at the top of the table. In the Kalinga Super Cup, we were very close to reaching the trophy, but we lost at the last moment. I think we competed very well last season. We were a crazy team, playing a lot of games in three different competitions in a short time.”

Odisha FC made their first semi-final appearance in the ISL by defeating Kerala Blasters. Reflecting on the previous ISL season, Sergio Lobera said, “We reached the semi-finals for the first time. We were very close but couldn’t make it to the final. I think it was an amazing season. I am very proud of my players for what we achieved last season.”

“And hopefully we can repeat the same situation this season with a little bit more luck in some moments. But I am very proud of the players and the club. It’s lovely to hear from the fans of Odisha, especially. I’m sure,” he quipped.

Boumous is the best-attacking midfielder in the league

Odisha FC also signed midfielder Hugo Boumous this year, who didn’t get much playing time for Mohun Bagan Super Giant last season. When asked about Boumous, Sergio Lobera replied, “For me, Boumous is the best attacking midfielder in the league. I’ve known him for 6 years, having signed him in Morocco the first time. I know he’s a player who can help us a lot. But the most important thing when signing players is not just about their profile.”

Explaining his approach to team-building, Lobera said that his focus is always on creating a family: “I think individuality can shine when the team works well. The most important thing for me is not the name, not the individualities, not about a single player. It’s about the team.”

“I’m very happy because we are building a very good team where individuality can shine. This is the most important thing for me as a coach,” he added.

It is impossible to win trophies or leagues if you are not working well with Indian players

Sergio Lobera also shared his opinion on the development of Indian players, saying that without focusing on them, it’s impossible to win the league. He said, “As a coach, my first target is to improve the level of Indian players. This is my first goal.”

Elaborating further, he said, “When I arrived here, I remember in the first ISL there were drafts. The rules were different. Now we play with 7 Indian players. It is impossible to win trophies or leagues if you are not working well with Indian players. I believe Indian players have enough quality, enough capacity, and we need to value this.”

Sergio Lobera established more facts as he stated, “It’s important to work with them, and they need to believe more in themselves because they have a lot of potential. They can compete at the highest level if they believe in themselves. We are here to help them, not just in good moments but especially in difficult ones during games and training sessions.

“I have worked in Spain, China, and Morocco, and if I have decided to come here, it is because it’s a big pleasure to work with Indian players. They are amazing professionals and people. We need to help them grow as players.”

He also stressed the importance of having good foreign players, saying it’s key to improving Indian players. He said, “I often hear people say Lobera is helping Indian players grow, but it’s not just me. I have a strong team with very good foreign players who work with Indian players daily. We are helping them grow, and now Indian players are helping us achieve success.”

The first season is always difficult

Sergio Lobera is the first Odisha FC coach to continue for a second season. When asked about this, he answered, “It’s helpful for me as a coach to work. The first season is always difficult. When you work with the same club for a second season, it’s easier to implement our style of play, philosophy, and ideas. In the first season, it was tough because, finally, we had some players who had worked with me before. But now we have more players and are signing players in more specific positions.”

ISL is helping a lot to grow football and players in India

On the Indian Super League’s contribution to Indian football, Sergio Lobera opined that ISL is helping Indian football grow. He said, “The ISL is helping a lot to grow football and players in India. There are some rules, and sometimes it’s not easy. For instance, how many Indian players play as strikers in ISL clubs? Practically none. But I think ISL is an amazing competition.

“If I’m here, despite having other options in different countries, it’s because I believe we are working in a good place, the right place. A lot of coaches and players want to come here.”

“And I think Indian players are improving every day because they can grow. They want to learn and listen, and coaches are helping them grow as players and people. ISL is a very good platform for players to grow and achieve their footballing goals,” he added.

Women’s Champions League team

Commenting on Odisha FC’s women’s team securing an AFC Women’s Champions League group stage berth, Sergio Lobera said, “I think they’re doing an amazing job. It’s a big achievement, and we are very proud to be part of this club and to have this amazing team representing India. They are doing things in the best way possible. We would like to take this moment to congratulate the entire women’s team.”

Rahim Ali’s new challenge

Rahim Ali joined the Juggernauts on a three-year deal from Chennaiyin FC. When asked why he chose the club, Ali replied that he had started following the club before his contract ended, further mentioning “Odisha FC’s style of play is very different from other teams. I’ve taken on a new challenge in my life, and I will do my best. This is my new challenge, and I want to adapt to the team as soon as possible.”

“Now you have to take a new challenge. You might have been in a comfort zone in Chennai, but you have to step up and face a new challenge in life. It’s hard at the beginning, but once you get used to it, things go well,” he added.

Thoughts on changing positions between striker and winger

When asked about Indian strikers not getting enough chances in the ISL, whether he could be the player to replace Sunil Chhetri, and how he will be deployed by Sergio Lobera’s side, Ali answered, “Sometimes I play as a striker, sometimes as a winger. But the most important thing is that if you get a chance with the national team, you have to deliver.”

“Sometimes it’s difficult because in the club, you might play as a winger, and in the national team, you’re a number 9. It’s different. In my opinion, whenever I get a chance with the national team, I have to prove myself,” he concluded.

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