Kiko Ramirez expresses concern on Odisha's defence despite win over SCEB

The Juggernauts are now in second position on the ISL 2021-22 points table.

After last season’s 11-goal thriller, Odisha FC and SC East Bengal played out a 10-goal fiasco this time out. And just like last time, the Juggernauts came out on top this time as well. It was East Bengal who started the scoring, but Kiko Ramirez and Co. came from behind to take a comfortable 4-1 lead. The Red and Gold then scored their second goal and chaos ensued. However Odisha managed to keep their lead intact the whole time as goals came in from both sides.

Odisha defender Hector Rodas and forward Aridai Cabrera got braces, while Javi Hernandez and Isak Vanlalruatfela scored one each. For East Bengal it was Darren Sidoel, Thonkosiem Haokip and Daniel Chima Chukwu who got on the scoresheet with Chima scoring twice.

After the match, Odisha FC head coach Kiko Ramirez spoke to the media:

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Not happy

https://youtu.be/LDubETfEvB0

Despite a favourable result, the Spaniard was not happy with his team’s performance.

“It is a typical match that coaches, we don’t like because it’s a crazy match. We are worried about some aspects that we need to correct because it cannot happen in first division. We have to work a lot if we want to be a serious team," he said, before adding, “For the fans it would be a wonderful match because a lot of goals they can see. So, good for the fans but not for the coaches.”

On Javi Hernandez playing as a forward

Midfielder Javi Hernandez has been pushed upfront to play as a forward and with great success. The Spaniard has already scored three goals this season.

On being asked what led to this tactical change, the Odisha head coach stated, “At the end, coach, the coaching staff we want to select the players that is performing well in the training and also in the matches. Javi is doing both, so it’s a easy decision for him to make the lineup. He earned everything, it’s not about giving something for free. He earned it in the matches.”

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Must improve defensively

Having conceded four goals, Kiko Ramirez was adamant they had to improve defensively. “Now, we only want to work for not conceding so many goals. If we want to be with the best teams in the league we have to not concede, so many goals in a match.”

Hernandez substitution a tactical decision

Odisha FC star Javi Hernandez was substituted off at half time. On being asked if the decision was a tactical one or was forced by an injury, the Juggernauts head coach confirmed that the decision was tactical.

“We made the changes because we want that every player is in good shape. We have matches in short period of time we made the changes. Not any issue, any physical problem just a tactical decision.”

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