News ATKMB vs OFC:...

ATKMB vs OFC: Pre-Match Presser

OFC Communications Team
January 27 2023

#TheEasternDragons return to Hero ISL action on Saturday as they take on the Mariners in Kolkata at the Salt Lake Stadium.


Josep Gombau and Osama Malik faced the media at the pre-match press conference in Bhubaneswar.

Here are some excerpts from the pre-match presser:

Josep Gombau

Q. The team is back in action after a 14-day break. Are the players well-rested and motivated to finish the league stage strong?
A.
“We had a long break after our game against BFC and now it is time for us to concentrate and work hard towards our remaining games. These 6 games are our most important games of the season and we are looking to finish strong on the points table and seal a spot for the playoffs starting with the game on Saturday.”

Q. The race for qualification is intensifying game by game. What are your thoughts?
A. “Yes, the race for the playoffs is on. We have prepared well for the game on Saturday. The boys will play 4 games in 13/14 days, which is every 3 days. It will be tough but the good thing is that the entire squad is available. All the players are very hungry and want to finish the league stage strong. If we want to be successful we will need all the help we can get from each and every one in the squad.”

Q. You are traveling to Kolkata to take on ATKMB which poses to be a tough outing. How have you prepared for the game?
A. “We have prepared for the game like we have been doing throughout the season. I have a lot of respect for our opponents knowing that every game in this league this year has been equal. We have to concentrate on the small details during the game based on which I think the club can get a good result in Kolkata. The boys are aware of the fact that if we commit any mistakes we will get punished. The mentality of the players has been excellent in training and we have been putting in the work this past week.”

Q. The team performed very well against the Mariners at home. Are you expecting a similar performance this time out?
A.
“Every game is different but I hope we can replicate the performance at home in Kolkata on Saturday. I think we deserved 3 points when we played them at home but we were unlucky. In all the games that we analyze whether you win or lose, there will be moments that you come across where you think the team had chances to exploit. We need to simplify the game when we play ATKMB, not commit any mistakes, and take our chances as and when they come. It is very important that we convert our chances when we get them.”

Q. Aniket Jadhav has joined the club. What was the thought behind getting him and how do you intend to use him for the game on Saturday and the remaining fixtures?
A.
“Aniket is a very good addition to the squad. The signing is a statement of intent from the club. He picked up the trophy with Hyderabad FC last season before moving to East Bengal FC. Signing Aniket means more strength in the attacking side of the squad. I like to have 4 wingers in my squad but looking back we have struggled a bit with injuries and a lack of depth in that position, for example, Soosairaj but we are hopeful that he will make a return very soon.


Osama Malik

Q. How has it been so far for you in the Hero Indian Super League considering this is your first time playing in India?
A.
“Honestly, I have loved my time here so far. I was lucky enough to spend some time in Kerala four years ago. I am really happy that I am playing India and would like to thank Josep and the club for providing me with this opportunity. The staff and all the players have welcomed me with open arms and I can’t really ask for anything more.”

Q. What do you think about the league so far now that you have a considerable of game time this season?
A.
“I have been very impressed with what I have seen so far. The Indian players are really good and the quality of football is pretty good and intense. I watched some games over the pandemic period and I am really happy to see the progress the league has made.”

Q. We are nearing towards the business end of the season and it is getting busy at the top half of the table. Your thoughts on the qualification race and OFC’s chance to solidify its place in the top 6.
A.
“Look it is getting tough as the games go by. The remaining 6 games are finals for us and we are facing the teams that are in the top half of the table. The game against ATKMB on Saturday is very crucial for us and we have been preparing really well and working hard towards getting a positive result away from home.”

 

ATKMB vs OFC: Pre-Match Presser

OFC Communications Team
January 27 2023

#TheEasternDragons return to Hero ISL action on Saturday as they take on the Mariners in Kolkata at the Salt Lake Stadium.


Josep Gombau and Osama Malik faced the media at the pre-match press conference in Bhubaneswar.

Here are some excerpts from the pre-match presser:

Josep Gombau

Q. The team is back in action after a 14-day break. Are the players well-rested and motivated to finish the league stage strong?
A.
“We had a long break after our game against BFC and now it is time for us to concentrate and work hard towards our remaining games. These 6 games are our most important games of the season and we are looking to finish strong on the points table and seal a spot for the playoffs starting with the game on Saturday.”

Q. The race for qualification is intensifying game by game. What are your thoughts?
A. “Yes, the race for the playoffs is on. We have prepared well for the game on Saturday. The boys will play 4 games in 13/14 days, which is every 3 days. It will be tough but the good thing is that the entire squad is available. All the players are very hungry and want to finish the league stage strong. If we want to be successful we will need all the help we can get from each and every one in the squad.”

Q. You are traveling to Kolkata to take on ATKMB which poses to be a tough outing. How have you prepared for the game?
A. “We have prepared for the game like we have been doing throughout the season. I have a lot of respect for our opponents knowing that every game in this league this year has been equal. We have to concentrate on the small details during the game based on which I think the club can get a good result in Kolkata. The boys are aware of the fact that if we commit any mistakes we will get punished. The mentality of the players has been excellent in training and we have been putting in the work this past week.”

Q. The team performed very well against the Mariners at home. Are you expecting a similar performance this time out?
A.
“Every game is different but I hope we can replicate the performance at home in Kolkata on Saturday. I think we deserved 3 points when we played them at home but we were unlucky. In all the games that we analyze whether you win or lose, there will be moments that you come across where you think the team had chances to exploit. We need to simplify the game when we play ATKMB, not commit any mistakes, and take our chances as and when they come. It is very important that we convert our chances when we get them.”

Q. Aniket Jadhav has joined the club. What was the thought behind getting him and how do you intend to use him for the game on Saturday and the remaining fixtures?
A.
“Aniket is a very good addition to the squad. The signing is a statement of intent from the club. He picked up the trophy with Hyderabad FC last season before moving to East Bengal FC. Signing Aniket means more strength in the attacking side of the squad. I like to have 4 wingers in my squad but looking back we have struggled a bit with injuries and a lack of depth in that position, for example, Soosairaj but we are hopeful that he will make a return very soon.


Osama Malik

Q. How has it been so far for you in the Hero Indian Super League considering this is your first time playing in India?
A.
“Honestly, I have loved my time here so far. I was lucky enough to spend some time in Kerala four years ago. I am really happy that I am playing India and would like to thank Josep and the club for providing me with this opportunity. The staff and all the players have welcomed me with open arms and I can’t really ask for anything more.”

Q. What do you think about the league so far now that you have a considerable of game time this season?
A.
“I have been very impressed with what I have seen so far. The Indian players are really good and the quality of football is pretty good and intense. I watched some games over the pandemic period and I am really happy to see the progress the league has made.”

Q. We are nearing towards the business end of the season and it is getting busy at the top half of the table. Your thoughts on the qualification race and OFC’s chance to solidify its place in the top 6.
A.
“Look it is getting tough as the games go by. The remaining 6 games are finals for us and we are facing the teams that are in the top half of the table. The game against ATKMB on Saturday is very crucial for us and we have been preparing really well and working hard towards getting a positive result away from home.”