Josep Gombau: Onwu's showing everyone he's a very good player

The Spaniard appreciated his players' efforts despite coming out on the losing side.

Odisha FC’s playoffs dreams were dealt a crushing blow, as they fell to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of ATK at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Saturday. A quick-fire hat-trick from Roy Krishna in the second half sealed their fate, while Manuel Onwu pulled one back in the 67th minute - which proved only a consolation. Head coach Josep Gombau was unfazed by the loss and appreciated his players' effort in the game, also keeping up hopes of qualifying for the playoffs. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] He explained, “I think we did quite well in the first half. The game was very equal. Both teams had no chances. But, in the second half, we conceded on a set-piece just four minutes after the restart. After that, we had to try to attack because of our situation in the table. We pressed higher and they scored the second in a transition.” “Our team got affected psychologically. We tried to make changes and attack more and I think we did quite well in the last 10 minutes or so. When you play against very good teams like ATK, Goa or Bengaluru, they have the quality to punish you when you make mistakes. We need to keep working and have two more games to go," Josep Gombau added. The Spaniard admitted that a difference in quality decided the outcome, but stated that he remains happy with whatever he has currently. “Normally when you have top quality players, it’s easier to win. But, from the bottom of my heart, I’m happy with my players, as everybody brings everything to the table. We have a very young squad and ATK have more experienced players. At half-time, I knew this game would be decided by the smaller details.” [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] “I’m satisfied with what I have. As a coach, you want to win as it’s important. But, also I need to see how my players are improving. I’m happy with them. I thought they showed character in the defeat and had some good momentum in the game," he reiterated. Further, Josep Gombau remains convinced with whatever he has got in the winter transfer window and hailed Onwu for his impact since joining. “We know that Manu came as Aridane (Santana) was injured. Can’t complain with Manu, he scored three goals in two games. I think for a player who came in the last minute of the market, he’s showing everyone that he’s a very good player.”