Odisha FC Ready to Bounce Back Against Chennaiyin FC
After a disheartening loss at home to FC Goa, Odisha FC is gearing up for a challenging stretch of three consecutive away matches. Their first test will be against Chennaiyin FC on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, with the match kick-off at 7:30 PM IST.
This season, Odisha FC started their campaign at home against Chennaiyin FC but suffered an unfortunate 2-3 defeat, ending their unbeaten home streak from last season. Heading into this match, Odisha FC will be in a revenge mood, aiming to secure all three points.
Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC have faced each other 21 times in the Indian Super League. Out of these encounters, Odisha FC have won 8 matches, while Chennaiyin FC have emerged victorious on 5 occasions. Currently, Odisha FC sits in 7th position on the league table with 20 points, whereas Chennaiyin FC is in 10th place with 14 points.
Pre-Match Insights
Odisha FC held their pre-match press conference on Tuesday at the Kalinga Stadium, with Head Coach Sergio Lobera and forward Rahim Ali addressing the media.
When asked about the team’s mindset following the heavy defeat to FC Goa, Sergio Lobera emphasized the desire to bounce back quickly. "Of course, what everyone wants is to play the next game, because it's the opportunity to come back, to show we can improve, to change the mood. When we lose a game like the last one, it's painful. We want to play the next game as soon as possible because it's a new opportunity for us.”
The media also inquired about potential lineup changes, including whether Diego Mauricio might start ahead of Dorielton. Lobera appreciated the dilemma of having strong options: "I need to think about this. Finally, I choose the first eleven I think is best to play against the opponent. Having two strikers like Diego and Dori is a good problem to have as a coach. We have two games in a short time, so there will be opportunities for everyone."
On Rahul KP’s readiness, Lobera shared an encouraging update: "He is with us and can play. We have two more training sessions, and I need to choose the best lineup. But yes, he is in the team."
With Ahmed Jahouh unavailable due to suspension, Lobera highlighted the importance of discipline and team cohesion: "We cannot depend on one player. The most important thing is the squad. What happened with Jahouh in the last game cannot happen. When you are a professional, you need to act professionally 100%. I spoke with him because I was not happy with his attitude. He has experience and needs to manage these situations better. Losing players for such actions affects us, especially in a competitive season like this."
Rahim Ali, Odisha FC’s this season signing, also spoke about his adaptation and aspirations. On adjusting to the team and style of play, Rahim said: "I’m adopting the team and when I feel low or demotivated, the team always encourage and motivate me. This is a new challenge for me, and I am trying to adapt to this team as soon as possible. My focus now is to prove myself every game and work hard every single day."
On his ambitions to return to the national team, Rahim expressed optimism: "Yeah, obviously my dream is to play for the national team again. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance, but for now, I’m focused on working hard every day."
Rahim also reflected on his improved performance in the last match, particularly his crossing: "I’m trying to do my best every day in training. I’ve been working on crossing because I didn’t do my best in previous matches. Now, I’m getting more confidence slowly. But the most important thing is winning games. If we don’t win, then it’s a big problem for us, and we’re working to get the result."
Match Details:
Chennaiyin FC vs Odisha FC
9th Jan 2025 | Thursday | 7:30 PM | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai
Live on Sports18, JioCinema, Star Sports-3
Odisha FC Ready to Bounce Back Against Chennaiyin FC
After a disheartening loss at home to FC Goa, Odisha FC is gearing up for a challenging stretch of three consecutive away matches. Their first test will be against Chennaiyin FC on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai, with the match kick-off at 7:30 PM IST.
This season, Odisha FC started their campaign at home against Chennaiyin FC but suffered an unfortunate 2-3 defeat, ending their unbeaten home streak from last season. Heading into this match, Odisha FC will be in a revenge mood, aiming to secure all three points.
Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC have faced each other 21 times in the Indian Super League. Out of these encounters, Odisha FC have won 8 matches, while Chennaiyin FC have emerged victorious on 5 occasions. Currently, Odisha FC sits in 7th position on the league table with 20 points, whereas Chennaiyin FC is in 10th place with 14 points.
Pre-Match Insights
Odisha FC held their pre-match press conference on Tuesday at the Kalinga Stadium, with Head Coach Sergio Lobera and forward Rahim Ali addressing the media.
When asked about the team’s mindset following the heavy defeat to FC Goa, Sergio Lobera emphasized the desire to bounce back quickly. "Of course, what everyone wants is to play the next game, because it's the opportunity to come back, to show we can improve, to change the mood. When we lose a game like the last one, it's painful. We want to play the next game as soon as possible because it's a new opportunity for us.”
The media also inquired about potential lineup changes, including whether Diego Mauricio might start ahead of Dorielton. Lobera appreciated the dilemma of having strong options: "I need to think about this. Finally, I choose the first eleven I think is best to play against the opponent. Having two strikers like Diego and Dori is a good problem to have as a coach. We have two games in a short time, so there will be opportunities for everyone."
On Rahul KP’s readiness, Lobera shared an encouraging update: "He is with us and can play. We have two more training sessions, and I need to choose the best lineup. But yes, he is in the team."
With Ahmed Jahouh unavailable due to suspension, Lobera highlighted the importance of discipline and team cohesion: "We cannot depend on one player. The most important thing is the squad. What happened with Jahouh in the last game cannot happen. When you are a professional, you need to act professionally 100%. I spoke with him because I was not happy with his attitude. He has experience and needs to manage these situations better. Losing players for such actions affects us, especially in a competitive season like this."
Rahim Ali, Odisha FC’s this season signing, also spoke about his adaptation and aspirations. On adjusting to the team and style of play, Rahim said: "I’m adopting the team and when I feel low or demotivated, the team always encourage and motivate me. This is a new challenge for me, and I am trying to adapt to this team as soon as possible. My focus now is to prove myself every game and work hard every single day."
On his ambitions to return to the national team, Rahim expressed optimism: "Yeah, obviously my dream is to play for the national team again. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance, but for now, I’m focused on working hard every day."
Rahim also reflected on his improved performance in the last match, particularly his crossing: "I’m trying to do my best every day in training. I’ve been working on crossing because I didn’t do my best in previous matches. Now, I’m getting more confidence slowly. But the most important thing is winning games. If we don’t win, then it’s a big problem for us, and we’re working to get the result."
Match Details:
Chennaiyin FC vs Odisha FC
9th Jan 2025 | Thursday | 7:30 PM | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai
Live on Sports18, JioCinema, Star Sports-3
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