Happy that Jonathas de Jesus finally scored, says Kiko Ramirez

The Brazilian scored the only goal of the game after coming on from the bench.

Odisha FC are returned to the winning ways with a 1-0 victory against NorthEast United on Friday night. Forward Jonathas de Jesus scored the only goal of the match with a well-placed header. The win means Kiko Ramirez's side now have nine points from four matches and move to the second spot in the standings.

The Juggernauts looked unconvincing in the first half with NorthEast United attempting as many as 12 shots on goal. But the Highlanders' profligacy in front of the goal meant both teams went into the break without breaking the deadlock. The match eventually turned in favour of Odisha FC, when Jonathas and Thoiba came on following the hour mark. Both combined for the goal in the 81st minute, with the Brazilian heading home Thoiba's cross to clinch all three points.

After the match, Odisha FC head coach Kiko Ramirez reflected on his side's performance in the crucial victory.

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On Jonathas de Jesus' impact from the bench

Odisha forward Jonathas came on in the 62nd minute and scored the winner 19 minutes later. Head coach Kiko Ramirez spoke about the Brazilian’s impact on the game.

“We are happy that he finally scored. He released all the pressure that was building on him. He also forgets the muscle injury that he had as well, it was a minor injury. We are happy that we have him on board,” he began.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i2FVMpNBHs

Happy with the result

NorthEast United created more chances then Odisha FC despite the latter's win. Ramirez, however, insisted that it was the result that mattered to his side.

“We are happy that we have our first clean sheet, so we are really happy about that. Also last week, we had good chances but we couldn’t score any of them. This match we did not have that many, but we could score one goal through Jonathas. That’s football," he quipped.

"Sometimes you score, sometimes you don’t. We defended properly in the actions for NorthEast United. They played well of course, but we are happy about the result,” the 51-year-old added.

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Focused on the next game

Despite moving to the second spot in the standings, the Spaniard insisted that they are only thinking about the next game.

“We are only thinking about the next match against Jamshedpur and are only focused on that. We cannot think 15 matches later, what is going to happen,” he stated.

On Hector Rodas

The 33-year-old missed Friday night's game due to an ankle injury and Kiko Ramirez revealed the latest status of the defender’s recovery.

“This week, we had some muscle issues with some players, but no big risk. We prefer to keep him (Rodas) out of the game and also we are really happy with Bora, he performed well so that’s good for the team," the tactician emphasised.

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