Sergio Lobera compares Odisha FC to Atletico Madrid ahead of Mumbai City FC clash in ISL

Odisha FC will be looking to extend their winning run against Mumbai City FC on Thursday

Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC side have regained form in recent games after a forgetful start to their 2023-24 Indian Super League campaign. The Juggernauts are currently third in the points table with 15 points from 10 ISL games.

A 6-0 win against Hyderabad FC followed by a 4-2 win against Bengaluru FC has brought back a lot of confidence in their camp. However, the Bhubaneshwar-based club has lost Roy Krishna to a season-ending ACL injury in a crucial juncture of their campaign.

Head coach Sergio Lobera addressed the press conference ahead of his side’s ISL game against Mumbai City FC. Here is what the Odisha FC manager said:

Sergio Lobera Compares His Side to Atletico Madrid

Odisha FC pulled off an important win at home against the table toppers Bengaluru FC on Sunday. When asked about his side’s playing style against BFC and why OFC didn’t keep have much possession, Lobera compared his team to Atletico Madrid.

The Odisha FC coach said, “Atletico Madrid in Spain have won the league. They know they are not a better team than Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, and they decide on one plan (tactic), sometimes, to be stronger than them. This was one example in the last game. I think we played against a very strong team, and we did our job.

Lobera concluded by saying, “In this case, we had less possession of the ball. But we were more dangerous than in other games. We need to be ready because finally we are professionals and we need to compete at the highest level. The result is the most important thing.”

Sergio Lobera’s thoughts on Mumbai City

The Spaniard signed up with Mumbai City in 2020 and managed the club for a couple of years. In his time with the Islanders, Lobera won both the ISL Shield and the ISL Cup in the 2020-21 season.

Talking about his time with Mumbai and his excitement to play them, Sergio Lobera said, “It’s a special game to play against Mumbai City. There are a lot of players (here at Odisha FC) who have played for Mumbai City before, even me as a coach. I won everything one year there, winning the ISL trophy and the shield. I have very good memories working in Mumbai City and with City Football Group”.

Sergio Lobera added, “It was an amazing season with Mumbai City even in the COVID bubble. It’s a special game for me, and a special game for some of the players and we are excited. We need to manage and control our emotions well, but we want to win”.

Odisha FC and Mumbai City FC played out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Kalinga Stadium. Can the Juggernauts get the better of the Islanders this time around?

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