Football

ISL 2023-24: We need to learn how to manage the game in the second half: Odisha FC’s Sergio Lobera

Odisha FC’s head coach Sergio Lobera feels the team needs to learn how to manage the game in the second half in the ongoing Indian Super League. The Juggernauts haven’t got off to a great start in the 10th edition of the competition as they have won a solitary game out of the four they have played and they are currently in eighth place.

In fact, the Kalinga Warriors have lost their last two matches and they will look to get back to winning ways against Bengaluru FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

Sobera admitted his players are going to have their work cut out against Bengaluru FC, who are also in a similar position in the standings.

“We are going to play against a difficult team because I think they have very good players but we are ready. We are excited with this new opportunity,” Lobera said in the pre-match press conference.

Meanwhile, Odisha FC suffered a 2-1 loss against Kerala Blasters in their previous match. Odisha were in control but conceded twice in the second half against the Tuskers. The Spaniard admitted it was a painful loss for them.

“It was painful, the last game for us but we are looking forward to playing BFC,” he said.

“When you lost one game, you want to immediately play the next game because it is an opportunity to show everyone that we can come back stronger,” the Spaniard added.

Lobera feels the team has been at its best in the four matches in the first half but they have veered off the track in the second half of the game.

“In the previous games against Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC it was an amazing first half where we scored the first goal in all the games. We (have) lost a lot of points in the last minutes,” he said.

“We want to win but we need to put our focus on this game. We need to analyse the things we did before and improve some things, I think we scored first in all the games we played and maybe we need to learn to manage the game in the second half,” Lobera added.

Lobera showered praise on Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri but acknowledged that the team is more important to him than individuals.

“Sunil Chhetri is a very good player. He gives them a lot of balance. We know the potential of this player but as I said the most important thing for me is the team. It is not about individuals,” Lobera opined.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024