Have to work on offensive and defensive aspects, says Sergio Lobera

Published at :December 13, 2020 at 9:10 PM

Modified at :December 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM

(Courtesy : ISL Media)

The Mumbai City FC head coach opined that their next opponents Jamshedpur FC are good both with and without the ball.

Mumbai City FC will look to continue their victorious run, as they come up against Jamshedpur FC on December 14. Head coach Sergio Lobera and winger Cy Goddard addressed media personnel ahead of the game. Goddard briefed the press about his thoughts on Lobera’s playing style and his developing partnership with other forwards in the side. On the other hand, the tactician pondered briefly on the relatively lesser recovery time between encounters.

Sergio Lobera on shorter recovery period between matches

The Islanders are set to play their fourth match in 14 days. Coach Lobera has used the squad depth to a good extent, providing ample break between games to key individuals. However, such a schedule is bound to take a toll on players at some point in the campaign.

Reflecting on the situation, the tactician said, “It’s not easy, but we have a big challenge every game this season. We need to try to adapt quickly to these circumstances, with shorter pre-season and also the short time between games. But, we are trying to recover quickly, the players. The most important thing is I have a good squad and not only about the 11 players who played the last game. I think that’s important for me as a coach.”

Quest to improve despite encouraging results

From the beginning, the ex-FC Goa head coach has stressed on enhancing their style of play, irrespective of results. The team have now recorded four wins on the bounce. But, that doesn’t deter Lobera from asserting that there are aspects to work on as the season progresses.

“Obviously, we can improve a lot of things. It’s not only about the result. We won four games in a row, it’s not easy. But, we need to improve a lot of things and we need to improve day-by-day, every training, game-by-game,” the 43-year-old clarified.

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Difference between Jamshedpur FC and previous opponents Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC gave Mumbai a run for their money in the last match. Lobera’s team were pressed relentlessly in midfield and prevented from exerting their usual influence on proceedings. The Marina Machans clearly showed the other teams a way to restrict the Islanders, despite succumbing to a defeat.

Asked whether he expects Jamshedpur to follow a similar approach, Lobera affirmed, “Every team is different. But, I think it’s possible (for this game) to be again similar. Because Jamshedpur have a very competitive game, it’s a good team with the ball and without the ball. It’s a dangerous team because when they have chances, usually they score goals. We have to work the balance (on the) offensive and defensive aspects. Because it’s very important for tomorrow’s game.”

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Mandar Rao Dessai’s absence and the quarantine situation

The Islanders have been handed a big blow by the absence of Mandar Rao Dessai. The 28-year-old missed the last two games after his father passed away on December 3. He is expected to remain out of action for the foreseeable future. Dessai is known to be instrumental to Lobera’s plans, given that he followed the coach to Mumbai.

Quizzed about the quarantine situation once the India international re-joins the bio-secure bubble, Lobera revealed, “Now, we are living in difficult circumstances. But, it’s necessary to follow the rules to avoid problems. We are speaking about health and this situation is not easy for anyone. We are playing against 10 teams and against the virus. It’s a difficult situation. It’s difficult to accept this because you know, after a big personal problem to go quarantine for 14 days in a room it’s not easy.”

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Goddard on adapting to Sergio Lobera’s philosophy

The Japanese has honed his skills at Tottenham Hotspur youth academy. However, he revealed that acquaintance with Spanish football allows him to better understand Lobera’s demands from him. “I have grown up watching Spanish football and its philosophy fits into what I have grown up watching. For me, it hasn’t been so hard to go into a playing style where they try to play football, play out from the back, tactically. I have enjoyed very much, learning new things,” the 23-year-old said.

Goddard termed the closely-packed schedule as a major challenge. He was probed about whether that becomes even more complicated given that Lobera expects the team to operate in a definite ideology. However, the former Benevento player explained that playing a possession-based style of football enables them to maintain greater dominance over proceedings.

“I wouldn’t say the style of football makes it harder. I would say the style of football that we play makes it easier because physically we are trying to move the team around. So,, if we are in possession the other team is going to do more of the work,” Goddard opened up.

Partnership with other forwards in the team

Speaking about his camaraderie with teammates like Hugo Boumous and Adam Le Fondre, Goddard mentioned, “I think we have only been together for a short period of time. First of all, we get on very well off the pitch. So, it makes it easier for us to develop a relationship on the pitch, which I feel is very important. I think it can only get better, but it’s got off to a good start.”

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