Odisha FC Faces Crucial Top-Six Battle Against Punjab FC in ISL 2024-25
After a tough 2-1 defeat against FC Goa, Odisha FC face a crucial battle for the top six in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. They will welcome Punjab FC to the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on February 10, 2025, Monday, with the match set to kick off at 7:30 PM IST.
Odisha FC’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, with the loss to Goa being an unfortunate setback. Head coach Sergio Lobera, who missed the last match due to suspension, will be back on the touchline. However, key foreign players will be missing, as Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall both received suspensions after picking up a red card and a yellow card respectively in the Goa match.
When asked about Jahouh's lack of discipline, which cost the team, Lobera admitted, “It was so difficult and finally I need to do something as a coach, because this is my responsibility, I cannot allow this kind of situation. Everyone can make mistakes, but again, in a crucial moment, because I think it was a crucial moment against FC Goa because my feeling from the stands is we were going to draw, maybe we can win the game and lose one play in the last, in this period of the game is so difficult. Also in the times of the competition. This is my responsibility as a coach, I take my responsibility and I need to do something to solve this problem.”
On how he plans to deal with the absentees, Lobera said, “There are two ways. We can complain, or we can face this as a challenge. I am positive always. We have a very good squad. This is not an excuse. I need to find solutions, not focus on problems. We have challenges, and I believe we can still compete at the highest level.”
Odisha FC currently sits 7th with 25 points, while Punjab FC, in 9th with 23 points, is coming off a 3-0 defeat to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Lobera also discussed the upcoming fixture: “Punjab is a brave team. They play attacking football, always trying to score. I expect a good game for the fans. It will be a crucial match, and we are ready for the challenge.”
Diego, focusing on the team’s mindset, said: “Tomorrow is an important game against Punjab. We are fully prepared for this challenge.”
On the topic of team support, Diego added, “The team has helped me a lot in training and games. Sometimes I score, and sometimes I miss. But we always move forward together, and I’m hopeful we can achieve a good result tomorrow.”
Match Details:
Odisha FC vs Punjab FC
10th Feb 2025 | Monday | 7:30 PM | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
Live on JioCinema, Star Sports-3
Odisha FC Faces Crucial Top-Six Battle Against Punjab FC in ISL 2024-25
After a tough 2-1 defeat against FC Goa, Odisha FC face a crucial battle for the top six in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. They will welcome Punjab FC to the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on February 10, 2025, Monday, with the match set to kick off at 7:30 PM IST.
Odisha FC’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, with the loss to Goa being an unfortunate setback. Head coach Sergio Lobera, who missed the last match due to suspension, will be back on the touchline. However, key foreign players will be missing, as Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall both received suspensions after picking up a red card and a yellow card respectively in the Goa match.
When asked about Jahouh's lack of discipline, which cost the team, Lobera admitted, “It was so difficult and finally I need to do something as a coach, because this is my responsibility, I cannot allow this kind of situation. Everyone can make mistakes, but again, in a crucial moment, because I think it was a crucial moment against FC Goa because my feeling from the stands is we were going to draw, maybe we can win the game and lose one play in the last, in this period of the game is so difficult. Also in the times of the competition. This is my responsibility as a coach, I take my responsibility and I need to do something to solve this problem.”
On how he plans to deal with the absentees, Lobera said, “There are two ways. We can complain, or we can face this as a challenge. I am positive always. We have a very good squad. This is not an excuse. I need to find solutions, not focus on problems. We have challenges, and I believe we can still compete at the highest level.”
Odisha FC currently sits 7th with 25 points, while Punjab FC, in 9th with 23 points, is coming off a 3-0 defeat to Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
Lobera also discussed the upcoming fixture: “Punjab is a brave team. They play attacking football, always trying to score. I expect a good game for the fans. It will be a crucial match, and we are ready for the challenge.”
Diego, focusing on the team’s mindset, said: “Tomorrow is an important game against Punjab. We are fully prepared for this challenge.”
On the topic of team support, Diego added, “The team has helped me a lot in training and games. Sometimes I score, and sometimes I miss. But we always move forward together, and I’m hopeful we can achieve a good result tomorrow.”
Match Details:
Odisha FC vs Punjab FC
10th Feb 2025 | Monday | 7:30 PM | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
Live on JioCinema, Star Sports-3
