Josep Gombau: The boys are hungry and will give their all against Mumbai

The reverse fixture between the sides witnessed six goals.

Odisha FC have the opportunity to leap over Mumbai City FC into the playoffs spot of the Indian Super League(ISL) on Saturday when they host the Islanders at the Kalinga Stadium. There’s only a single point separating the two from fourth and fifth place respectively, as Josep Gombau and the team will aim to do that in front of their home fans. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Coach's Corner Josep Gombau emphasized on how important a game it’ll be for Odisha and why it’ll be just beyond the three points. He explained, “It’s an important game for us. It’s a game that is much more than just three points. It’s almost like a six-point game. It’s for the playoff position." “After tomorrow we’ll have played two-thirds of our league campaign and I think it’ll be good to win the game and be in a good position. We’re confident and are working hard. The boys are hungry and I think will give their all towards winning tomorrow,” he added. The Spaniard also implied Odisha are at their best playing at their home stadium and playing in front of the fans has motivated his players into performing towards their best. He stated, “I think for us for a long time we didn’t play a home game. We played 10 games away from home. But now with the support of the fans, we finally feel like we’re playing at home! [embed]https://youtu.be/NYdpKZY_954[/embed] Watch: Mumbai City 2-4 Odisha FC “That gives us extra motivation to the players. We’re confident and happy to be here. I hope a lot of fans turn up tomorrow as it’s an important game for us. I hope those who come can enjoy the game, as we’ll be focused on winning it and reaching our objective,” he exclaimed. Despite being on a winning streak, Josep Gombau shoved aside claims that the game will be an “easy one” and hailed Mumbai’s tactics as well. He said, “There’s never an easy game here. All the games here in ISL are very difficult. The small details decide the games. We’re playing to control these details and bring more to our side. I think Mumbai are a very good team. They’re a strong opposition and they plan on capitalizing on the transitions. We have to control them when we have the ball. We must take good decisions, not make mistakes and avoid their transitions.” Odisha might’ve thrashed the Islanders 4-2 in the reverse fixture earlier this season, but Josep Gombau isn’t using that to take the game lightly. He explained, “The last game for us was good. We won 4-2 in their field. But that doesn’t mean that we’ll win tomorrow. We’ll have to fight to win tomorrow." “They come from winning three games and only lost the last game against ATK. I hope we can make good use of our momentum and can win our third game in a row. I think we’re ready and the boys are extra motivated for the task,” he further stated. Finally, the Spanish tactician urged the fans to give them energy in this crunch game by attending it on Saturday. He expressed, “We feel very comfortable here at home. I think them (fans) and us are a very good team together. Tomorrow’s a Saturday and a lot of people aren’t working. I hope that this being a crucial game for us, people come to support us and help us achieve our objective.” [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Aridane Santana also backed his coach’s words, stating, “We need the fans and we want them to come. Their support gives us strength and we need them to have a good stride at home.” The Spanish striker agreed that the condition of the field isn’t perfect, but doesn’t want to use it as an excuse. He said, “The pitch isn’t in the best condition. We already know that. But it is what it is. It’s the same for both teams. We have to do what we do and do our best in winning the game.” After an injury spell, he confirmed that he’s fit and raring to go and is confident of his side’s playoff chances. He explained, “I’m feeling well. I think we are having a good season. I’m confident that we’ll be working hard and be fighting to be in the playoffs position at the end of the season.” [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Team News

Head-to-Head

Odisha FC have a pretty good record against the Islanders, having defeated them 4-2 at the Mumbai Football Arena in the sides' only ISL clash so far.

Predicted XI

Dorronsoro, Sarangi, Bora, Delgado, Das, Rai, Tebar, Jerry, Xisco, Nandha, Aridane

Broadcast

The game will take place at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Saturday. It will be telecasted live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD. It will also be available to stream on Hotstar and Jio TV.