Stuart Baxter: Hoping this performance would kick-start something

The tactician reflected on an exciting stalemate with the Men of Steel in a game of two halves.

In their latest Indian Super League fixture, Stuart Baxter-led Odisha FC held Jamshedpur FC to a 2-2 draw, making an incredible comeback after going down by two goals from Nerijus Valskis in the first half. Their comeback was inspired by new recruit Diego Mauricio, who single-handedly scored both goals for the Juggernauts after coming off the bench in the second half.

Stuart Baxter reflected on his team’s performance in his post-match interaction and answered some gripping questions. The tactician seemed happy with how the team did not give up and clawed their way back into the game, but hopes this performance will kick-start their campaign. 

He was asked about the possibility of winning the game after the second half performance, to which he responded, “Given the fact that we were 2-0 down and again gave away two very cheap goals, you are looking at the second half to obviously make some changes, to make sure you score the next goals. I thought the lads did fantastically well.”

“When you play as well as you play and you get the two goals back, maybe you look back and say we could have maybe pinched it, but getting the points after being two-nil down I think that's also well done to the lads and I am hoping that will spark something now in the future,” Baxter further went on to add.

The former South African national team coach also expressed his thoughts on his team’s defensive frailties and how they will be addressed. He said in this context that, “You can address it with numbers or you can address it with quality. I think structurally we were okay at times. We let ourselves down with our individual decision making in terms of our positions in terms of tackling, it's an issue with us. When I see other teams in the league I think it's an issue with everybody. I think we have a little bit of work to do on that.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EokCcP7CCM

The tactician also praised his Brazilian striker Diego Mauricio, who scored two fantastic goals to secure a point for the team. Baxter said, “Diego was on the bench for a reason because he has taken a bit of time to settle and when we've been pressing high, I say he's been making some poor decisions and putting himself out of the game.”

“So, we have found it difficult to find him. He had a decent week and when he went on, I gave him a very small area of what I wanted him to do. I have got to admit he was electric when he went on,” the 67-year-old further added.

Baxter concluded his post-match interaction by hoping that this fixture motivates the players to perform better and get favorable results in the forthcoming games. He said, “Well you're 2-0 down at half-time and you're looking to score the next goals. I thought we played quite well in the second-half.”

“I am hoping getting a 2-2 after being 2-0 down is the sort of thing that will give the lads a little bit of a lift. Maybe, we can work to put a few other things right and then maybe we’ll kick-start something.” the head coach concluded.

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