Sergio Lobera rues team’s mistakes after draw against Chennaiyin FC

Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera was disappointed after his team conceded mistakes, which led to goals in a 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai in the ongoing Indian Super League on Thursday.

After no goals in the first half, Wilmar Jordan scored twice within eight minutes of the second half to put his team in front. However, Dori got one back for the Kalinga Warriors in the 80th minute whereas Nawaz scored an own goal in the injury time.

The visitors had 63% possession and took five shots on target. The Spaniard coach reckons the goals they conceded were more due to their own mistakes than the merit of the opposition. 

“Finally, it’s more about our mistakes than the merit of the opponent when we concede the goals. I respect Chennaiyin FC for 100% sure. I think they played a very good game,” Sergio Lobera said in the post-match press conference.

“But if you analyze the goals, it’s more of our mistakes than the merit of the opponent. Finally, we need to be realistic. And we cannot be happy even if we score one goal in the last minute and we hold one point in a difficult place,” he added.

Odisha FC haven’t savored a win in their last three games and the Spanish tactician said it is imperative for his team to get wins in order to move up in the standings.

“It’s true. With draws, it’s not easy to be in a good position on the table. Finally, we need to win games. I think we need to improve. We need to analyze the game as professionals. As professionals, we cannot be happy,” he stated.

“It’s not possible because we scored one goal in the last minute and got a draw. Everything is amazing. We are professionals. We are not supporters; we are not journalists. It’s important more than the result. I think we cannot give gifts to the opponent like this,” Lobera further shared his thoughts on sharing points with Chennaiyin FC.

Odisha FC will next take on Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on Monday.