Team deserved win after second half performance, says Kiko Ramirez

The Juggernauts sit at seventh position with 10 points.

A point against FC Goa means that Kiko Ramirez and Odisha FC recorded their first draw of the 2021-22 season. It was a match of two halves, as both sides would have benefited significantly with all three points. Goa imposed their hegemony with their possession-based football. Soon enough, defender Ivan Gonzalez slotted in the first goal of the match at the 42nd minute.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Odisha with a hunger to win every ball. The constant array of attacks led to the equalizer, scored by Jonathas de Jesus. The 53rd minute goal was a lucky one, as the forward was able to guide the ball in the net with his knee. Despite applying constant pressure on the Gaurs, Kiko Ramirez’s men could only come away with a draw.

Let’s hear from Odisha FC’s head coach in the post-match press conference:

Great second half performance

Odisha scored their lone goal in the second half when the team’s intensity was much higher as compared to the first. The coach was asked whether he was happy with his team’s comeback into the game. “Of course, we are happy. We think the team deserved to win after the performance in the second half. There are some things we cannot control,” Ramirez replied.

“Can somebody explain why the whistle didn’t go off? That was a clear penalty. Even we could hear the kick from the bench. We understand that everyone can make a mistake, but it was very clear. Other teams get penalties against us, but we don’t get one,” the head coach chided about the penalty incident.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0hOpqWATy8

On tactical changes to get wins

The draw today means that the Juggernauts are winless in their last three games. The media posed a question asking whether a change in the tactical approach was needed in order to get the wins.

“We are happy with the team’s performance today. Our team is still building as a unit and we are the youngest squad in the league. We are still making the players try to play together properly,” re-assured Ramirez.

Substituting Javi Hernandez early on

An unfamiliar sight of Odisha’s marquee player Javi Hernandez was seen as he was subbed off at the 68th minute. “We needed to take one foreigner out to put another one in the game. Also, the referee wasn’t fair with Javi, as he was on the receiving end of many fouls,” Ramirez informed the media on the substitution.

Plans for match after Christmas

Odisha FC face Hyderabad FC on the 28th of December in their last outing of 2021. The media quizzed the coach regarding their plan of action for the fixture and whether the festive season could be a mood-lifter.

“For us, there will be no Christmas this year. We will be working for the next match, as families couldn’t come because of the 15-day quarantine. It’ll be the first time without the families, so we will focus on the work,” concluded Ramirez.

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