Sergio Lobera eyes spoiling Mariner's Shield celebrations with a win in Kolkata

This is a do-or-die fixture for Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC.

Ahead of Sergio Lobera-led Odisha FC’s crucial showdown against Mohun Bagan Supergiant, a fixture that could see the Mariners clinch the ISL 2024-25 Shield in front of their fervent home crowd at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake Stadium, head coach Sergio Lobera, accompanied by midfielder Raynier Fernandes, addressed the media. The duo spoke about the team’s preparation and the steely mentality required to halt the unstoppable momentum of Mohun Bagan Supergiant.

For Odisha FC, this match carries immense weight, not just as a battle to spoil Mohun Bagan’s Shield party, but as a pivotal step in their own journey to break into the top six. With their fate no longer solely in their hands, OFC must secure maximum points from their remaining three fixtures to keep their playoff hopes alive. Lobera emphasized the need for tactical discipline and unyielding determination, knowing that anything less than a victory would push their playoff dream further out of reach.

Lobera excited to play at the Salt Lake

When questioned about his impressive track record against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Sergio Lobera remained grounded, asserting that the past holds little significance, his sole focus lies on the present. He emphasized the positive atmosphere within the Odisha FC camp and expressed a strong desire to channel this momentum into the upcoming fixture.

Lobera, “As a player, as a coach, you always look forward to playing and being a part of such historic matches in front of such a jam-packed stadium.”

For Lobera, matches of this magnitude are what every coach and player dreams of, a historic clash at the iconic Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan, where Odisha FC not only aim to derail Mohun Bagan’s ISL Shield celebrations but also secure a vital three points to keep their playoff aspirations alive.

Can the Juggernauts breach the impenetrable Bagan’s defence ?

Addressing concerns about his side conceding easy goals and the challenge of breaking through Mohun Bagan’s resolute defence, Lobera stressed the importance of striking the right balance between attack and defence. He acknowledged the Mariners’ formidable backline but remained confident in Odisha FC’s potent attacking unit.

Lobera said, “It is all about finding the right balance between attack and defence. We cannot afford a single fallacy in these big matches as this could cost us our playoff hopes.”

According to Lobera, matches of such high stakes demand unwavering concentration, a single lapse could prove costly. With this in mind, he vowed to fine-tune his team’s approach, ensuring they maintain composure while seizing every attacking opportunity that comes their way.

Lobera is ready for the ‘three finals’ ahead

When asked whether the electrifying atmosphere in Kolkata might overwhelm his team, Sergio Lobera remained unfazed, stating that these are precisely the kind of matches every coach and player dreams of being part of. He drew a parallel between Odisha FC’s remaining three league-stage fixtures and a trio of cup finals, emphasizing the need for his team to leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of a coveted top-six spot.

Lobera acknowledged the rare opportunity that lies ahead, the chance to spoil Mohun Bagan Supergiant’s potential Shield-winning celebrations in their own backyard. However, he made it clear that Odisha FC’s focus remains solely on themselves. The three points at stake are crucial for their playoff ambitions, and Lobera is determined to ensure his side approaches this high-stakes battle with both intensity and self-belief, knowing that a win could reignite their season’s hopes.

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