Odisha FC Aims for Rebound Against High-Flying Mariners
The Kalinga Warriors will look for an instant response to the shock defeat against NorthEast United FC when neighbours and in-form Mohun Bagan Super Giant visit for a crucial Indian Super League 2024-25 clash at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on Sunday.
The Kalinga outfit’s last win came against the other Kolkata team, East Bengal FC, at home. The last two games away from home, have ended in a draw and loss respectively for Sergio Lobera’s men.
Last season, the two teams met six times across two competitions, resulting in two wins apiece and two draws.
The league stage match at the Kalinga ended all square, while Odisha FC won the first leg of the ISL semi-final 2-1.
Team News:
Head Coach Sergio Lobera returns to the touchline after a one-match suspension, along with Moroccan midfielder Ahmed Jahouh, whose presence strengthens the team following his one-match ban.
Opponent Watch:
Mohun Bagan Super Giant come into this match with momentum on their side, having secured back-to-back wins—first in the Kolkata Derby against East Bengal FC and then away against Hyderabad FC.
Pre-Match Press Conference:
Sergio addressed the pre-match press briefing on Saturday, along with midfielder Rohit Kumar.
Asked if the objective now was to aim for a top-six spot rather than go for the ISL Shield, Sergio emphasised taking things "step by step”.
“We need to work a bit more and take advantage of the opportunities this competition offers. Thinking about where we might be at season’s end is premature. We have long-term targets, but we need to take it game by game,” the coach said.
On changes for this match and Mohun Bagan’s form, he added: “They’re a strong team with a lot of potential, but so are we. We showed our capabilities last season, finishing top of the table in the AFC competition. The Kalinga has something special, and we need to stay positive and confident to go into the break with three crucial points.”
Lobera confirmed there are no injury concerns for the team.
With the squad welcoming a few fresh faces during the summer, Rohit talked about the team chemistry.
“The squad is stronger. Players are working hard to understand each other’s strengths, and though we haven’t played our best game yet, we have 17 matches to turn things around. We have players with strong personalities, and I believe the points will come,” he said, expressing confidence in the squad’s potential to improve.
When asked about the all-Indian midfield combination in the last game, he said, “I’ve built a good understanding with Puitea and Raynier, and the coach put faith in us when he selected an all-Indian midfield. We’re growing as a team, and game by game, we’ll reach our best.”
Odisha FC is banking on the return of Sergio Lobera and Ahmed Jahouh to secure three important points and in what could be a statement win for the home team.
Match Details:
The highly anticipated match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on Nov 10, 2024. The game will be live on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema.
#OFCMBSG
Odisha FC Aims for Rebound Against High-Flying Mariners
The Kalinga Warriors will look for an instant response to the shock defeat against NorthEast United FC when neighbours and in-form Mohun Bagan Super Giant visit for a crucial Indian Super League 2024-25 clash at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on Sunday.
The Kalinga outfit’s last win came against the other Kolkata team, East Bengal FC, at home. The last two games away from home, have ended in a draw and loss respectively for Sergio Lobera’s men.
Last season, the two teams met six times across two competitions, resulting in two wins apiece and two draws.
The league stage match at the Kalinga ended all square, while Odisha FC won the first leg of the ISL semi-final 2-1.
Team News:
Head Coach Sergio Lobera returns to the touchline after a one-match suspension, along with Moroccan midfielder Ahmed Jahouh, whose presence strengthens the team following his one-match ban.
Opponent Watch:
Mohun Bagan Super Giant come into this match with momentum on their side, having secured back-to-back wins—first in the Kolkata Derby against East Bengal FC and then away against Hyderabad FC.
Pre-Match Press Conference:
Sergio addressed the pre-match press briefing on Saturday, along with midfielder Rohit Kumar.
Asked if the objective now was to aim for a top-six spot rather than go for the ISL Shield, Sergio emphasised taking things "step by step”.
“We need to work a bit more and take advantage of the opportunities this competition offers. Thinking about where we might be at season’s end is premature. We have long-term targets, but we need to take it game by game,” the coach said.
On changes for this match and Mohun Bagan’s form, he added: “They’re a strong team with a lot of potential, but so are we. We showed our capabilities last season, finishing top of the table in the AFC competition. The Kalinga has something special, and we need to stay positive and confident to go into the break with three crucial points.”
Lobera confirmed there are no injury concerns for the team.
With the squad welcoming a few fresh faces during the summer, Rohit talked about the team chemistry.
“The squad is stronger. Players are working hard to understand each other’s strengths, and though we haven’t played our best game yet, we have 17 matches to turn things around. We have players with strong personalities, and I believe the points will come,” he said, expressing confidence in the squad’s potential to improve.
When asked about the all-Indian midfield combination in the last game, he said, “I’ve built a good understanding with Puitea and Raynier, and the coach put faith in us when he selected an all-Indian midfield. We’re growing as a team, and game by game, we’ll reach our best.”
Odisha FC is banking on the return of Sergio Lobera and Ahmed Jahouh to secure three important points and in what could be a statement win for the home team.
Match Details:
The highly anticipated match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on Nov 10, 2024. The game will be live on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema.
#OFCMBSG
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