Josep Gombau: Aridane will be fine and ready to play soon

The Spaniard expressed his disappointment with the way the game turned out.

The match between Kerala Blasters and Odisha FC ended in a stalemate at the Jawaharal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Both teams played out a scrappy goalless draw, in a game riddled with injuries for the home side. Under Josep Gombau, Odisha had scored four goals in the previous game against Mumbai City FC, but barely managed to create enough chances this time around.

[embed]https://youtu.be/6h6FzJxzfo8[/embed] WATCH: Match Highlights: Kerala Blasters 0-0 Odisha FC

When asked about the motive behind tonight’s performance, Gombau made it clear that his side had come for all three points. “We came here to try to win the game, but for me, it was a poor game of football. Both sides couldn’t create many chances. We did not have good football on show. We’ll take the point here which is okay, but personally, I’m not satisfied with the way we played.”

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Josep Gombau was also asked to comment on the injury to striker Aridane Santana who was taken to the hospital. Both Messi Bouli and Aridane had a nasty collision while challenging for the ball from a corner. Sights of blood from the Odisha striker’s head confirmed that he had to be taken off immediately.

“It was a knock between two players. He needed an ice pack and needed to go to the hospital. For us, he is a very important player, as he is our target man. But, Kerala was also missing a lot of important players. At the moment, he is in the hospital, but he is okay. He’ll be fine and ready to play soon.”

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When asked to comment on the contrast between the thrilling encounter against Mumbai City last time out and this particular game, Josep Gombau replied, “I think there are many factors involved here. The passes, the way that we played and tried to build was very slow. It was very humid here and the players’ stamina was called into question, as they felt tired physically."

"The field also made it hard to control the ball and one of our most important playmakers Marcos Tebar had an upset stomach. He had to be taken off during half-time. Everybody put their effort into the game. I, as a coach, demand this from the players that everybody should bring their 100%.”