Stuart Baxter laments 'Indian internationals' of not receiving cards

The Odisha FC boss also explained his decision of introducing Marcelinho late into the game.

Odisha FC's winless run extended to six games on Thursday evening, as the Juggernauts were defeated by Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League. Following the disappointing defeat, Odisha FC head coach Stuart Baxter spoke about the game in the post-match press conference.

Following back to back defeats, which have forced Odisha FC in the second last position in the league table, Stuart Baxter is feeling the pressure at the moment and he relayed as much. “First thing I need to make sure is that I don’t get the sack,” he chuckled. The tactician further went on to speak on various talking points from the game.

On keeping his young players motivated after another close defeat

The tactician spoke about yet another defeat where a relatively young side came up short of a victory. “You've got a young group who are almost playing very well, but luck is not on their side. They are losing confidence and concentration in every game."

“To keep them believing in what they're doing is very difficult and to give them the tactical edge they need to turn these sob stories into happy stories,” he further lamented. 

ALSO READ: Indian Super League 2020-21: Five things we learned in Gameweek 6

On whether Marcelinho came on too late

Marcelinho has been a rare sight in Odisha FC colours since the start of the season. It also continued against the Blues as the Brazilian came onto the field in the 74th minute with his team seeking a winner. Speaking on why he decided to put him on so late, Stuart Baxter explained, “To get Marcelinho onto the field meant we had to take off one of our big players, that’s why I didn’t want to put him on. Unfortunately, he didn’t give us anything.”

On Gaurav Bora’s tendency to receive yellow cards

Gaurav Bora received a booking against Bengaluru FC, on which the tactician gave his unfiltered opinion questioning the referee’s call. “He’s (Bora) been competitive. I have given up on trying to read on what referees deem to be a yellow card. I see some of the very experienced Indian internationals doing a multitude of sins and not getting a yellow card,” he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCKFzxjYvPM

On whether the inexperience of the player is costing the team

Odisha FC visibly lack any experienced domestic figures in the lineup and Stuart Baxter was asked if this was costing the team in matches. Asked about it, the 67-year-old added, “The young players are being led by other young players. The foreigners are basically experienced. That does not cost you until they feel anxious. It's my job to make sure they don’t go too low. I’ve got the belief that we can put that one right.”

ALSO READ: Carles Cuadrat says this Indian youngster is improving with his contributions on pitch

On two surprise inclusions on the bench

Stuart Baxter concluded his post-match interaction by talking about two surprise inclusions on the bench. “Paul (Ramfangzauva) was on the bench as a reward for a very good week’s training. Both Paul and Isaac (Vanmalsawma), when I first came, it seemed like the whole thing was a little bit too far for them. But, both of them have made progress. Certainly, to throw more inexperience into what is already an inexperienced team is both not fair on the team or fair on the individuals.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.