Josep Gombau: It is a very important game against Hyderabad FC

The Odisha FC head coach also stressed that his side do not have any pressure going into the game.

Currently in a four-game winless streak, Odisha FC will look to get back to winning ways when they host Hyderabad FC on Wednesday. Ahead of the fixture, head coach Josep Gombau interacted with the media at the pre-match press conference as he spoke regarding the crucial game. The Spanish tactician sounded very optimistic about his team's preparations for the game as they look to push forward for a playoff spot with a win against Hyderabad FC. On being questioned about the home ground factor for Odisha in their first three home games, Gombau was assertive with his opinion. "Obviously it is difficult, as we are not playing in Odisha. Here we need to be thankful and grateful to the people of Pune for their treatment. We are satisfied to play here also as we did not have our home ground ready to play the first three games," Josep Gombau began. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] "For me, tomorrow it is more of an away game as we are playing against a team who played here last season and they probably will have more experience to play here than us. But i think it is not an aspect that will decide the game. It is a very good field and in very good condition and we are ready to face them," he added. "They had a good game against Bengaluru and a tough game against Goa but we will stick to our plans and try and get three points," Josep Gombau further went on saying. Odisha FC have shown glimpses of their brilliant passing football but have not managed to churn out desired results. Josep Gombau also pointed out the same and revealed that he wants more urgency in finishing from his side.

Thoughts On Gameplay

"It is not just about keeping the ball as this game is not decided on possession but to put the ball on the back of the net. I think we are not only keeping the ball but also arriving in the box and creating chances. Last game against Bengaluru FC we had 29 arrivals in the box and now we have to convert them which is important. We have worked hard and prepared well and hopefully tomorrow we can score some goals," the Spanish tactician quipped. Josep Gombau was quizzed about the importance of the game considering their playoffs aspirations, when he seemed optimistic and had a sense of belief that his players will deliver.

Thoughts On The Game

"It is a massive game for us. if we win tomorrow we move to nine points and will be closer to the group of teams fighting for the playoffs and if we don't win we will be in the group of teams far away from the playoffs. It is important to have this mentality from the very beginning. We don't have any pressure because we will have ninety minutes to do everything, but it is a very important game," the Odisha FC boss asserted. Odisha FC had a tough start to life in Indian football as firstly they had to shift their base from Delhi and was rebranded and then they had issues with their Kalinga stadoum and had to travel to Pune and play their first three home games at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. Speaking of which, Josep Gombau explained all the struggles and hardship the team had to go through.

Thoughts On The Travelling

"We have this game against Goa away after which we will have three games at home which will be very good for us. First to play in the home ground and with the fans and the Odisha people. But disappointing also with the journey and the travel we are having, moving hotels and as a player and a coach it is important to stay at a place and not move around. We spent a week in Mumbai because of the facilities. I think all the staff and the players want to stay at a place for the next two-three weeks without travelling," he said. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] The 43-year-old highlighted the struggles of the team for all the circumstances and difficulties that came their way. He also asserted his delight with the team and the players in this tough phase and also accepted that they could have had more points and can improve in lot of areas. "Moving across isn't easy. It means to have a lot of departments in a new place. The movement of the ground was last minute and we had this adjustment of the stadium and this whole situation," Josep Gombau said. "We are working hard, we have missed some chances and maybe could have had more points in the table but it is what it is and we look forward to upcoming games. Tomorrow's game is very important and then there is one against FC Goa and then three matches at our home and we need to take all nine points at home and show that the home factor is very important for us," he concluded.