Odisha FC boss Kiko Ramirez rues missed chances after Kerala Blasters loss

The game marked the first loss in the ongoing campaign for the Juggernauts.

Odisha FC were handed their first defeat in ISL 2021-22 season as Kerala Blasters beat 2-1 on Sunday evening. After a goalless first half, the Blasters broke the deadlock through a goal from Alvaro Vasquez in 65th minute. Substitute Prasanth Karuthadathkuni doubled the lead for Kerala Blasters. Although Nikhil Raj pulled one back for the Juggernauts in the stoppage time but it was too late. The loss also ended the two-match-winning run for Kiko Ramirez's side.

After the game, Odisha FC head coach Kiko Ramirez reflected on his team's performance and spoke to the press in the post-match conference.

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Thoughts on the game

Ramirez analysed that his side had enough chances to score, but were not clinical enough against Kerala Blasters on Sunday evening.

“We didn’t start pretty well at the beginning of the match, but later we had clear chances at the end of the first half and also at the beginning of the second-half to advance in the score but we couldn’t make it," he began.

"In the best moment of the team, we conceded a goal because we were not focused. In the second goal, fair play must exist because it is a drop ball and you need to pass it another way,” the tactician added.

On Jonathas de Jesus

The Odisha FC boss revealed that it was an injury that denied forward Jonathas de Jesus a place in the squad. “It is not important, but he has little muscle problem so we thought it was better for him to rest,” he revealed.

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Focusing on the next game

Despite their loss, Odisha FC have six points from three games. On being asked what this good start meant for them going ahead, the 51-year-old emphasised that they will not think too far ahead and just focus on the next game.

“We are just focusing on the next match. We have to recover players as soon as possible physically and mentally and focus on the next match,” he concluded.

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