I'm really proud of my team, says Sergio Lobera on Odisha FC's latest draw against Bengaluru

Sergio Lobera also expressed his happiness about the chances created by Odisha FC players.

Odisha FC settled for a draw against Bengaluru FC in the recently concluded 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday. 

Both the teams had their chances in the middle but none could make it count at the end and ended the match with a goalless draw. With the draw, Odisha FC also moved to the third place in the points table. 

The post-match press conference was attended by Odisha FC’s head coach Sergio Lobera who looked a bit satisfied with how his team performed in the match. 

About the game

Odisha FC couldn’t manage to secure a win even after securing chances in the middle. When a question was raised regarding the performance of the team, Coach Sergio Lobera replied, “It was a good game. We generated some chances in the middle and dominated in a lot of phases against a strong team.”

“Yes, I also feel that we lost three points but I can’t ask the players to do more as they are doing an amazing job this season”, Lobera added.

Did the break affect the player?

It happens sometimes that with the break the teams lose the momentum, which can be witnessed in Odisha FC’s approach. Coach Sergio had a different aspect to it and he completely denied the allegations. 

He said, “We needed this break. After playing back-to-back games, one in Australia and then one back at home, the players needed some break, mentally and physically. This can never affect us negatively.”

“More importantly, we were playing a 5 o’clock game, without any water in the ground and the ball was not moving well. In addition to that, it’s Ramadam time and two players played without a bit of water till the last 15 minutes of the game. For which I’m proud of them and the whole team as well”, Sergio quoted.

Update about Jerry’s injury 

Jerry Lalrinzuala faced an injury on the field and was replaced by Vignesh Dakshinamurthy in the 88th minute. When the coach was asked about an update on Jerry’s injury, he said, “I don’t think it’s anything serious. Still, I need to check with the medical team.” 

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