Sergio Lobera outlines thoughts on Rahul KP's arrival ahead of Chennaiyin FC clash

Sergio Lobera mentioned that Rahul KP is in contention to start against Chennaiyin FC.

Chennaiyin FC will welcome Sergio Lobera-coached Odisha FC to the Marina Arena on Thursday. Both the Indian Super League clubs are struggling for form and are outside the top six playoff spots at the moment.

Owen Coyle’s CFC beat Odisha FC 3-2 in the reverse fixture at the Kalinga Stadium courtesy of a brace from Farukh Choudhary. However, the Marina Machans have won just one game at home this season and have lost five of their last six ISL games.

Odisha FC have received a massive boost in the transfer window as Rahul KP has joined them from the Kerala Blasters. The team’s head coach Sergio Lobera talked about the player’s arrival in the press conference ahead of the game against Chennaiyin FC.

Sergio Lobera on Rahul KP’s arrival at Odisha FC

Having joined the Kerala Blasters in 2019, Rahul KP became an integral part of the Yellow Army. The right winger made 89 appearances for the Blasters, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists to his teammates in all competitions.

When asked about Rahul’s arrival at Odisha FC, Sergio Lobera said, “I am very happy because I think he can help us. He has experience and his profile as a player can fit in our style of play. I think he is ready to compete from now on and also, this is very important.”

The Odisha FC manager concluded by saying, “I think for the profile of the players, his adaptation will be very quick with the team. I am happy because finally, I have more tools to support having good players in the squad.”

Will the former Kerala Blasters player start against Chennaiyin FC?

Rahul KP scored a goal for the Kerala Blasters when they beat Chennaiyin FC 3-0 in November last year. Overall, the 24-year-old has scored 2 goals against the Marina Machans in eight ISL games.

Asked if the winger will start against CFC on Thursday, Sergio Lobera said, “Rahul is with us and he can play. We need to do two training sessions more and then I need to choose the best first eleven. But he is here today.”

Rahim Ali talks about Rahul KP’s arrival at Odisha FC

With Rahul’s arrival at Odisha FC, Rahim Ali is one player whose position can come under threat. Having joined from Chennaiyin FC over the summer, Rahim is starting as the right winger for the club at the moment.

Asked about his thoughts on Rahul KP’s arrival at Odisha FC, Rahim Ali said, “Yeah, he is a good player, he is a good person. I know him very well and obviously, it is a competition for us. Competition between me and him. But obviously, I will try my best to give my best every day.”

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