We need to be more clinical, says Odisha FC boss Sergio Lobera

Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC are currently placed third in the ISL standings.

Odisha FC are now gearing up for their next ISL 2023-24 match against Punjab FC. The match is going to be played on April 2, 2024 at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. 

After settling for a draw against Bengaluru FC in their previous match, the Kalinga Warriors are now up for a new challenge where they will look to outclass their opponent and move ahead in the points table by grabbing three important points. 

The pre-match press conference was attended by Odisha FC’s head coach Sergio Lobera and player Lalthuammawia Ralte. Excerpts from the conversation are below:

Performance in the previous game 

Odisha FC had their chances in the middle of the match against Bengaluru FC but couldn’t capitalize on it. Coach Sergio Lobera has always been very supportive towards his players after every match irrespective of their performance. He again showed full confidence in his side and said, “As I told you after the last match, I’m very proud of my team. They did an amazing job and competed well against a strong side.”

About the upcoming game 

The next match will be very important for the home side. A win will propel them up in the points table while a loss will be a dent in their ISL Shield aspirations. 

When a question was raised regarding the preparations for the next game, the tactician replied, “Tomorrow we need to compete in the best way possible and get those three points. To be back in the Kalinga Stadium and play over here is always special for us. This is also the last phase of the league, so we want all our supporters to come in numbers to support their team and help them win the matches.”

Lalthuammawia Ralte also looked confident about the game as he said, “It will be a competitive match and all the players in our team are ready to give everything for Odisha. I think we will also get the three points.”

Need to be clinical 

Although Odisha FC have been dominating in this season, they have flattered at times too, which kept them away from scoring. Coach Sergio Lobera pointed out this flaw in the team. 

He stated, “We are scoring a lot of goals compared to some other teams and also have a good goal difference in the competition. That’s good but for me the biggest concern is not capitalizing on certain chances. We need to be more clinical at the last step. We have been generating numerous chances for scoring the goals.”

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