Odisha FC's Amey Ranawade on future goals, importance of communication & more

Amey Ranawade has seven goal contributions this season for Odisha FC.

Sergio Lobera, renowned for his ability to nurture young talent, has seen many players flourish under him during his time in Indian football. One such player who reunited with him at Odisha FC was Amey Ranawade.

The former Mumbai City FC right-back, a product of Lobera’s coaching, joined Odisha FC on loan from the Islanders in June of last year. This move provided Amey Ranawade with an opportunity to further develop his skills and gain valuable experience under a new coaching regime, while also contributing with his defensive skills to the Kalinga Warriors.

Having honed his skills at DSK Shivajians, Amey Ranawade embarked on a journey that has seen him represent prominent clubs such as FC Goa, Mohun Bagan, and FC Bengaluru United.

His career trajectory is marked by significant achievements, including a pivotal role in FC Goa’s triumph in the 2019-20 ISL League Winners’ Shield. Furthermore, he experienced unparalleled success with Mumbai City FC, contributing significantly to their historic double-winning campaign in the 2020-21 season, where they clinched both the ISL Shield and Trophy.

Amey Ranawade sat down with Khel Now for an exclusive interview after Odisha FC’s match against Hyderabad FC where he discussed various topics. Here are some excerpts from the interview.

Importance of communication

Communication is vital for a successful defence in football. It’s all about clear, concise, and timely information exchange between defenders. This enables them to organize their defensive shape, cover for each other effectively, build trust, and make better decisions on the field.

“I think communication is the very important aspect of the game. It is not only defenders or goalkeepers or any specific position or any specific player has to have, but this is also a quality every other player should have, and I think communication most of the time, helps your teammates throughout the game. Communication is a big skill for people who play professionally they know other than that even the coaches like players who like to communicate and positive communication and negative communication there are two sides to football but I think positive communication will help the team do better in the matches.”

Balancing defensive and attacking duties

For defenders, balancing attacking and defensive duties requires a delicate touch. While their primary responsibility is to prevent goals, certain games demand more. They must be more comfortable on the ball, capable of initiating attacks with accurate passes, and even join the attack with overlapping runs or set-piece headers.

“Like people who don’t know me, I have been watching Dani Alves, he’s been my idol, Even though he isn’t playing now he has always been my idol. I like to watch his videos, even during training and before the matches I watch his videos. I watched him play and I like to go ahead even if the coach wants me to overlap all the time. I help the team offensively and defensively and it is helping the team in matches also.”

Preferred defensive style

Some defenders excel in aerial duels, while others prioritize clean tackles and interceptions. Some are renowned for their speed and athleticism, covering vast areas of the pitch, while others are masters of positioning. Talking about his preferred style of defensive play Amey said-

My defensive style depends on what the coach wants. Every other match is different, and we go in a different kind of tactical approach, the coach helps us. He tells us before the match what we have to do and what not. So every other match we have a different approach. So it changes every match.

Mental strategies to stay calm

Amey Ranawade is a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, expressing his passion and commitment with every tackle and every sprint. However, he recognizes the crucial importance of maintaining composure under pressure. In the heat of the moment, emotions can run high, but Amey understands that calmness is key to making sound decisions and executing precise movements.

“Being a defender staying calm is difficult but yes in some situations like against Hyderabad FC, I had a yellow card already, the coach called me and warned me that I shouldn’t be taking a second yellow and advised me to be calm and think twice before you tackle and already we were winning 3-0 or 4-0 up so its good in that situation. In some situations, a coach and his advice also help you and you need to be calm in some situations all by yourself. But being a defender it is difficult to stay calm but it’s important.”

About raps and his love for raps and music

Off the field, Amey Ranawade has a distinct personality, revealing a passion for the world of rap music and Desi Hip hop. He has also admitted to being a fan of Divine.

“I have always been passionate about music and I am a huge fan of Divine and will always be. People these days love watching reels on Divine’s songs. Like who’s not a Divine fan these days? I don’t really know. I have been through a difficult phase, So I relate a lot to Divine’s rap and I love and enjoy his music. So that’s where my passion for Rap comes from” he said

The reason behind his jersey number

Amey Ranawade despite being a right back dons the familiar number “4” on his jersey. This number, often associated with defensive solidity and a strong presence on the field, seems to perfectly suit Ranawade’s style of play.

“No I mean there is no particular story as such for the jersey number 4, I mean I was in the junior team Under-13 the first time I played for India so since that time my jersey number has been 4 and I don’t like changing and I believe it been a lucky number for me and my family keeps saying that too and it works well for me. So that’s the reason I’m wearing a number 04”

Assessing his performance

Amey Ranawade has been a key contributor to Odisha FC’s defensive solidity this season. He has recorded 1 clean sheet, 15 interceptions, 14 tackles won, and 34 duels won, demonstrating his strong defensive skills. Furthermore, he has made 36 recoveries, and 14 clearances, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposition attacks and maintain possession. Amey Ranawade has also contributed offensively, creating 12 chances for his teammates, highlighting his well-rounded game.

“I think this season is not been good for me, stats-wise and I could help the team also better the team is not performing to that level which we did last season, we can do much better. Personally, also, I need to give more assists, defend well and balance which you talk about. I need to do well in both situations.” He stated.

Aim for more goals this season

“My aim will always be to win the trophy. At least I should give one trophy to Odisha. I do not know if I will be here next season so, maybe it will be my last season, so I want to win one trophy with Odisha” He concluded.

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