Why Josep Gombau deserves credit for the resurgence of Odisha FC

The new entrants have been a tough nut to crack and are taking upward steps in the points table.

Odisha FC started the season with a lot of new vigour and energy after their rebranding and relocating from the capital city to Bhubaneswar. However, the early results in the latest season of the Indian Super League were anything but ideal and it felt like their fortunes had not changed from previous campaigns. But, a recent resurgence can be observed under Josep Gombau, as the outfit have collected important victories and points, elevating them upwards on the table. The credit for their recent rise from the ashes must go to their head coach, Josep Gombau. The Spaniard has been steadfast with the type of gameplay he demands of his players and was open about sacrificing results in order to instill a change of philosophy in the way the team played. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Odisha FC boss Josep Gombau, who swears by possession-based passing football from his time at the FC Barcelona academy, has the experience of working with one of the best talents in the world from his La Masia days. His philosophy can be seen in the way Odisha FC play their football, as they try to build from the back and are getting more adept at it. The signing of players who can help Josep Gombau execute his tactics at Odisha FC, well was also shrewd strategy from the tactician. New recruits like Xisco Hernandes, Aridane Santana and Jerry Mawihmingthanga among others have been performing well on a consistent basis. He has also helped domestic players like Shubham Sarangi and Nandhakumar improve, to the extent that they are in the discussion for national duty. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] Having to play the majority of their games away from home and then having to play in Pune on a temporary basis caused a sense of uprootedness for the club, who have now finally played their first game at their home ground. Odisha FC's clash with Jamshedpur FC at the Kalinga Stadium was an entertaining contest and the victory suggests the club could soon feel at home and improve on their results. Recent results have justified the patience of the tactician, who stayed true to his tactics and trusted his players to improve their performances. Two victories in their last four games suggest a change in form and a hunger for points. Odisha FC are currently in sixth position on the table, only four points away from the fourth and final playoffs spot. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] However, it is important for everyone involved with the club, be it players, fans or the management, to not get ahead of themselves. The recent upswing in form can only be justified if the run is stretched further. Josep Gombau insisted on improving from last season, where the side only accumulated a total of 18 points from as many fixtures. This time around, his men have secured 12 points already and are looking set to improve on the dismal points tally from the last campaign. The credit for that goes to the tactician. His side will play four of their next seven fixtures at home, which gives them a definite advantage to end the season on a high. Indeed, a playoffs finish is still a realistic goal. Their next two fixtures against Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC will both be played at the Kalinga Stadium and it is a great chance for the outfit to go into next gear in their pursuit of a playoffs place.