Kino Sanchez eyes best finish for Odisha FC in ISL after latest draw

The Juggernauts are at seventh after 17 games with 22 points, three far from the fourth place.

Odisha FC drew Chennaiyin FC 2-2 on Wednesday in the Indian Super League. Kino Sanchez's men had to fight back after going a goal down early in the game. The Kalinga Warriors replied through Javier Hernandez and Jonathas de Jesus before eventually conceding the equaliser in the second half.

Kino Garcia reflected on the draw at the post-match press conference and shared his thoughts:

Half time chat

Odisha, as aforementioned, went a goal down early in the game. Having to chase from the word go, Kino Garcia's men needed their coach's help to get themselves a comeback. The former assistant coach explained what he said to his players during the halftime break.

"We were doing well and keep doing the same. We find that how they were pressing. And in the second half, until we scored the second goal, we were okay. After we scored, I think we were a little nervous because of the second goal. Then they pushed, and we drew," Kino Sanchez explained.

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Odisha FC's objectives

Odisha FC are in the race for playoffs spots, at least mathematically. However, Kino Sanchez has his own set of objectives as well that he wishes to achieve.

When asked what they were, Kino Sanchez replied, "We are still alive, and we will keep fighting for that. Of course, we know it is difficult, but we are only two points off the best season of Odisha FC, and that's the one record we can pass and improve the players. Of course, we want to beat Bengaluru FC, ATK Mohun Bagan and Jamshedpur - these are our next objectives."

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The rationale behind benching Jerry Mawihmingthanga

The games have been coming quickly for Odisha FC. As a result, players have been rested occasionally to ensure they don't wear out. Jerry Mawihmingthanga's exclusion from the starting eleven was one such occasion.

"If you see, we played a game 48 hours before. Redeem Tlang is training well. Of course, Jerry is one of our main players. But he is working so hard in every match. He is working in the attack and defence and giving his everything on the pitch. I think he [Redeem Tlang] played very well in the first half. He created chances and made 1v1 situations. We wanted to use Jerry in the second half with fresh legs. But both are training well, and both deserve to play," Kino Sanchez quipped.

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