Josep Gombau: We need to go game-by-game and play the best we can
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
The tactician still feels confident of making the playoffs but called for a patient approach.
Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau was a man of smiles as his side edged out Hyderabad FC in a thrilling encounter at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune, as the tenants won 3-2 despite a spirited comeback from the Nizams.
Goals from Xisco Hernandez, Delgado and a penalty from Martin Guedes made sure that the home team had enough in the tank despite being down to ten men, after Vinit Rai was given his marching orders just past the hour mark. Despite a late goal from Rohit Kumar, the 10-men prevailed and obtained a crucial victory to end their stint in Pune.
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They will now return to their real home of Bhubaneswar for their upcoming home games.
Gombau made his happiness on the result evident by saying, "Last week we played here, I think we deserved more (against Bengaluru FC) and today we got three goals and won. It wasn't the best final result, but I'm happy for the win and three points. I think we deserved the win."
"The first half was ours and we got two goals. In the second half, we had 3-4 chances and should've been three up. But, then we were down to 10 men, a penalty makes it 2-1, then it got a bit ugly towards the end. But, the players have to deal with such situations. They must get confidence from the win."
On Making it to Playoffs
With this win, Odisha are back in the race for the playoffs and Josep Gombau expects his players to continue the same levels of performance. He said, "I think this league is very equal. We lost our three games (so far) by a one-goal difference and we should win more. We need to go game-by-game. We have ten more games ahead of us and we want to play the best we can. Then, we will see what happens and where it leads us."
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The coach expects a tough clash in their next game against FC Goa, particularly with Vinit sitting out due to suspension. But, thinks the gap in between gives him enough time to prepare his boys for a tough encounter against the in-form Gaurs.
They will travel to Goa to face the home team before playing their first-ever "home" game at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar against Jamshedpur FC on 22nd December.
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