Stuart Baxter: Cole Alexander is a great acquisition for Indian football

The tactician spoke after his side's yet another outing without a win.

Odisha FC continued their winless streak in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) 2020/21 campaign on Sunday, as their match against NorthEast United ended in an exciting 2-2 draw. Speaking after the game during the media interaction, Odisha FC boss Stuart Baxter assessed his team’s performance by saying, “I am not happy with the point, but I am happy with the improvement we are making with every game.”

Team's attack & scoring goals

Odisha FC showed a lot of flair in the first half and played on the front foot. Addressing that phase of the game, Baxter said, “Yes, I think we were unlucky not to have scored more goals. The players were pretty certain there was at least one penalty we should have got. I think the attacking play was slightly better.

“We got the ball into our front players a little bit quicker and with a little bit more control. So, yes, I think there was an improvement in the attacking play,” he further went on to add.

Cole Alexander’s performance

https://youtu.be/qkW08oyskPc

South African Cole Alexander scored the equaliser with a decent curling shot in the bottom corner and was also rewarded with the ‘Hero of the Match’ award. Speaking on his performance, the tactician said, “I think Cole’s performance, in general, was great. He is an infectious player; the boys love him. At times he is a one-man pressing unit and can get from box to box very quickly.

“So, I am not surprised he got on the end of that and sidestepped the defender (for the goal). He is just a good player and is a great acquisition for Indian football.”

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Defending set-pieces

The Juggernauts looked shaky while defending long balls and free-kicks. Referring to the apparent nervousness shown by his team on set-plays, Baxter said, “We have not had any real difficulties and we have played all the teams that are supposed to be good on set-plays. Today, we did for some reason.

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“I’ll check the footage, but we used to be quite good on set-plays. There were a few half-chances, too many for my liking and we have been stopping the ball coming in from the flanks. Hence, that’s something we will be looking at very carefully,” the 67-year-old assured.  

On team’s character & resolve

Odisha FC are now winless in seven fixtures and the pressure is mounting on a relatively young group of players. Speaking in this context, the Englishman said, “I am very pleased with the character the players are showing. It would be very easy for the players to be falling into pieces. 

“Now, they’ve been competitive in every game, even if I’ve not been happy with the overall performance. I have been happy with the way they have not thrown in the towel and have kept going. If we keep showing the same character, then it’ll keep improving.”

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Odisha FC – The toughest project?

Stuart Baxter has had a long and illustrious career, where he has coached several teams in various continents. When asked if his current job is the toughest he has ever undertaken, Baxter said, “Nelson Mandela said to me when I was in South Africa, he said ‘Everything seems impossible until you do it.’

The tactician concluded his interaction by further adding to the question on OFC as a project. He said, “I think you look at projects before thinking this is a difficult one and then I am not sure I can rank this. But, it is very difficult given the pandemic, the lack of preparation, the very young squad and the conditions we’ve been playing under. I would say this is a very difficult job. But, the players, their attitude is what keeps me enthusiastic about putting on my boots and going on the training field.”

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