Jacobo Ramallo: We need more people to back us against Mumbai City

The Odisha FC assistant coach spoke in length regarding the win against Chennaiyin FC on Monday night.

Two first half strikes from Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Vinit Rai were enough for Odisha FC to bag a win against Chennaiyin FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Monday night. Following the game, Odisha FC assistant coach Jacobo Ramallo interacted with the media in the post-match press conference in Josep Gombau's absence.

Jacobo Ramallo was delighted during the interaction after the win. However, he did not agree to the fact that it was a comfortable win for his side. "It was not a comfortable win. We got a clean-sheet, that we have to appreciate and acknowledge. Aridane (Santana) is an extremely important player for us, but it is good to add more players to the scoresheet. It is good for their confidence which we can use in the upcoming games," Jacobo Ramallo began.

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When quizzed about whether Josep Gombau's absence from the dugout made any difference to the team, the Spaniard said, "I know him, and I know exactly what he wants. We prepared the plan very well. We had contingency plans in case there were injuries, red cards. It went according to plan and no one really realized that Josep wasn't there."

Jacobo Ramallo was all praise for the supporters and wanted more people to come in the future games, as Odisha FC have been in some great form at home.

"I felt that atmosphere in the stadium when the crowd got behind the team in some of the referee's decisions which went against us. Slowly, Odisha FC is getting into the state. I think it is very beautiful and we need more people to back us against Mumbai City in a few days, as right now is the moment. We have had a perfect beginning here with two games and two wins," the assistant coach added.

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Speaking about the match proceedings, Jacobo Ramallo highlighted how Odisha FC controlled possession in the first half and were more cautious in the second 45.

"It is true we could not maintain the pace of the game throughout. But, it is hard. We cannot control every single minute. Football is important, but it is also the pitch which wasn't in its best condition," he said.

"For us and for them (Chennaiyin FC) the game sometimes is different. There are moments in the game where we were comfortable on the ball in the first half. But, in the second half, we were more focused on defending the lead. We did not want to concede that first goal in the second half that could create doubts in our mind. It is true that we could not enjoy time on the ball as much as we like," he concluded.