Josep Gombau: We played good football, I would like to lose like this

The Spaniard was content with his side's approach despite a disappointing result on the night.

Odisha’s dismal start to the 2019-20 season of the Indian Super League under head coach Josep Gombau saw no change, as they faltered by the margin of a single goal once again, this time to NorthEast United.

They suffered a painful 2-1 defeat with having gone down early to a Redeem Tlang goal, Odisha managed to crawl themselves back into the game through Xisco Hernandez, who equalised in the 71st minute. However, NorthEast’s prized asset Asamoah Gyan proved too hot to handle, as he gave the home side a late winner.

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Assessment of the game

Head coach Josep Gombau was asked to assess the game. He said, “It was a very disappointing result. I think we played quite well, but we lost concentration after 80 minutes, which allowed them to take advantage and score. We had strong chances to restore parity. But, I’d like to focus on the positives."

"We played good football. We created chances. We came back into the game once, but we were unlucky after they got the second, as the ball would not find its way into the goal. I am satisfied with the players and as a coach, I’d like to lose like this, playing good, creating chances from the wings. We are playing with a young squad and I am really satisfied with them. We need to try to take it week-by-week and get a win now.”

The climate around the dressing room

When asked about the climate surrounding the dressing room following the loss, Josep Gombau replied, "Nobody likes to lose and it’s not a good result. It is a disappointing result for all of us, but we’re happy in the way we performed and I am happy by how the boys gave everything."

Odisha were unfortunate to concede really early in the game when Panagiotis Triadis laid a beautiful ball into the path of Redeem Tlang and the youngster made no mistake to beat the goalkeeper from close range, sending Guwahati into a frenzy.

Early goal conceded and the opponents' performance

When asked about how the early goal changed the dynamic of the match, Josep Gombau replied, “When you concede a goal in the second minute, it changes a lot. It is difficult to regain concentration.”

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The Spaniard also had respect for his opponents. He said, "I think it was a very good game. NorthEast played a really good game and it was a game that was very open for both sides. I’d like to congratulate them on the win."

Odisha will next take on Mumbai City FC on the last day of the month.