Stuart Baxter: FC Goa's strikers are scoring goals & that’s a problem

The Englishman spoke ahead of his side's clash against in-form FC Goa.

Odisha FC are up against FC Goa in their next Indian Super League (ISL) game and the odds are stacked against them. The Juggernauts are yet to register their first win of the season, while the Gaurs are coming into the fixture on the back of an impressive success. Ahead of the game, head coach Stuart Baxter and India international midfielder Vinit Rai spoke to the media and shared their thoughts on some important points.

Importance of Break

“It's welcomed. We feel we have done some good work. It changes the whole mood when people feel they are making some progress.”

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On Vinit Rai’s Fitness

Vinit Rai has been absent from the squad and given that he took part in media interaction, he could be starting in the next game. Baxter spoke in this context and said, “Vinit’s fully fit and if we find he is fit enough to play a game then he will feature. But, at this moment, we are going to wait and see if he can take part.”

“Vinit is one of those players, he’s got an understanding of his role. He takes his responsibility for the good of the team. In that way, he is a valuable member of the squad,” the tactician further added.

On FC Goa

The Englishman spoke about their next opponents who have begun to hit top gear. He said, “Their strikers are scoring goals and that’s always a problem. The rest of the team is really a team, they have a set way of playing and they stick to it. We have to be a constant threat to be able to deal with them properly. They are one of the better teams and in that way they deserve our respect.”

On Injuries & Player Availability

The 67-year-old also provided an update on the personnel available for the next game. He said, “All the protocols pointed to the fact that he (Kamaljit Singh) shouldn’t be involved. He’s not been involved in the training, so he certainly won’t be involved in the game. Arshdeep is fit. Apart from that, Marcelinho has been carrying an injury since Day One virtually, so we have to make a call on how fit he is.”

Managing young players through rough start

Stuart Baxter was asked about the rough start his team have had and how he has used his experience to keep the young players motivated. In this context, he said, “The start has been difficult, but it hasn’t been disastrous. If you look at every game, we have been competitive at some point. If we play well, if we take care of the ball better, if we make better choices and decisions and keep to the principles we have spoken about, then we can be competitive.”

“I don’t have a problem with the boys and their motivation, it's more their belief. When you don’t get points, the way we are wired today, is that you feel like you have failed. At the moment, we can play well...if that leads us to a victory, then that’s more information for us,” Stuart Baxter concluded.

Vinit Rai on return from injury

Vinit Rai has been missing from action for Odisha FC, but has seemingly made a full recovery now. He said, “I am really excited to be playing my first competitive match under our coach Baxter. I am really looking forward to it.”

On Cole Alexander

The Odisha FC midfielder also gave his opinion on South African player, Cole Alexander. He said, “While I was out in recovery, I used to look at him during matches and training. He is a very energetic player, who can press all day long. I am really looking forward to playing the games alongside him.”

Talking about FC Goa’s quality and their team, he said, “They are really a good team. In midfield, attacking and defence they are an organised side. To be fair, we are just concentrating on our strong points. We are well-prepared and are ready to go tomorrow.”

Playing Without Fans

Lastly, Rai also gave his impression on playing behind closed doors. “Without fans, the stadiums are very quiet and there is no one to back you up, except the coaching staff and your own players. But, as professionals, we have to accept everything. Our job is to just step onto the pitch, give our best and help the team to achieve the targets that we have for the season.”