Very important for Indian strikers to score, reckons Anshul Katiyar

The Odisha FC assistant coach spoke to the press after his team's victory over NorthEast United on Tuesday night.

Odisha FC produced an inspiring first-half attacking display to steal three points away from NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League on Tuesday night. Aridai Suarez was the star of the game for the Juggernauts as he proved to be too good for the Highlanders' defence. The Spaniard finished the game with a goal and an assist.

However, Aridai Suarez wasn't the only player to trouble the Highlanders. Daniel Lalhlimpuia scored the ice-breaker of the game, and Javi Hernandez provided the assist for Aridai's goal.

Odisha FC assistant coach Anshul Katiyar interacted with the press in the post-match conference to discuss his team's performance.

On his team's form

The Juggernauts have had a roller-coaster ride in the Indian Super League so far. Odisha FC are struggling to have continuity in positive results and bounced back from a defeat against Kerala Blasters from the previous game. Anshul Katiyar looked visibly delighted with his team's performance in the game and acknowledged the tough times they are in.

"It's a good experience. When you win, it's good, and when you lose, you learn something from it. Coming from a difficult situation, like we are facing few things and when you play like this, the boys did really well," the tactician began.

On the team-building process

Odisha FC is currently fifth on the league table. It is an improvement by six places since the previous season. The club aims to build a team for the future. Regardless of where they finish, the coaching staff wants to provide the club with a strong base.

"It's a process, and we just started building this team. The process always takes time. We are not building this team only for this year. So it's just a start. And if we are finishing at the top of the league or top four, we are going to provide a very strong base to the club. This will be very good for the players, for everyone," Anshul Katiyar explained.

On Daniel Lalhlimpuia scoring a goal after three years

Daniel Lalhlimpuia scored an Indian Super League goal after a gap of three years. Indian forwards struggling in front of the goal is Indian football's worst kept secret. Anshul Katiyar believes it is important that the young Indian forwards perform whenever they get minutes ahead of their foreign or experienced compatriots.

"I would say that Daniel or whoever is playing as a No. 9, it's very important for Indian strikers to score. This is because these opportunities always go to the strong players, I wouldn't say the foreigners or something. These players are coming from the bench, and you always expect more from them. It's a good pressure for them, and when they are on the score sheet, it's excellent for them," he remarked.

"It's a mental boost, especially for the club believing in giving chances to the youth. And we have a very good youth development programme for Daniel and the other players to look forward to," the Odisha FC assistant coach concluded.

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