It has been a solid start for Odisha FC as they have started the Indian Super League with three wins and a loss. It has also been a great welcome back for head coach Josep Gombau who has inspired the team brilliantly and has brought a different brand of football to the Bhubaneswar based outfit who were struggling before his arrival.
But now with Gombau, Odisha look like a very well structured team with their basics in the right places and surely a force to be reckoned with heading on to the new season. The Spaniard has also changed the mentality of the team instilling a winning mindset. They have shown that fighting spirit this season as they have come from behind twice in their four matches.
Amrinder Singh who joined the club this summer has already been a massive player in the dressing room. The India goalkeeper has been with the national team for some time now and has played in various teams and is imparting that knowledge to the youngsters at Odisha FC and guiding them in their journey forward.
The experienced custodian shared how the atmosphere around the team is very good and their togetherness makes them a very strong team. “This year, we have an incredibly good team. The environment around the team is really positive and each player, every one of them is like a family here. All players, foreign and Indian alike, are ready to work hard in the training sessions,” Amrinder Singh stated on Odisha FC TV.
The former ATK Mohun Bagan goalkeeper shared how the togetherness in the team helps the team keep a winning mentality. They came from behind to defeat Jamshedpur FC. They lost out against Mumbai City FC despite putting up a very strong fight and Amrinder feels there’s plenty of things to take even after a closely fought defeat.
“There is a togetherness in the team and the unity of the team is a positive sign and will be beneficial for us,” he said.
Amrinder Singh may have joined the club just recently but he has already taken young goalkeeper Niraj Kumar under his wing along with Lalthuammawia Ralte sharing how he likes to guide the youngsters and speak to them about different aspects of the game and keep them engaged. He also highlights how the youngsters need to be praised for their efforts while they point out their mistakes.
“I always try to speak and help the youngsters. Not just me but also the foreign players in the team, we always appreciate their efforts while also correcting their mistakes. I always tell the youngsters to step up and take responsibility. As a team, we are one, we need to play as one (unit) and need to follow the instructions laid down by the coach,” shared the former Golden Glove Winner.
Odisha FC are second in the points table after four matches this season with nine points. They are only a point behind last season’s champions Hyderabad FC and the challenge for both teams is that they will take on each other in the next game at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. Both teams mean business this season and it will be interesting to see two in form lineups go up against each other.
