Playoff Dreams: Odisha FC Sets Sights on Vital Home Games
The Kalinga Warriors will be back in action after a 12-day break as they face Northeast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on February 3rd, 2025, Monday, at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, with kick-off at 7:30 PM IST.
With four out of the next seven matches at home, Odisha FC has a real chance to make a push for the playoffs. Every point from here on out will be vital, and the passionate support of their fans at the Kalinga Stadium will play a key role in their bid to secure a top-six finish.
The Kalinga Warriors head into this fixture on the back of their first win in five matches, having secured a 3-2 comeback victory over Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Odisha FC staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a two-goal deficit to clinch their first-ever league double over Bengaluru. Currently sitting in 7th place with 24 points, the Warriors are gearing up for a crucial stretch of fixtures in February as they chase a top-six spot in the ISL 2024-25.
On the other hand, the Highlanders will come into this game full of confidence after securing a dominant 4-1 win at home, ending a four-game winless streak. With 28 points, the Highlanders are currently in 4th place in the league table.
Coach Lobera spoke about the importance of the 12-day break, explaining that it was necessary for the team to rest and recover. He said, "This break was needed for such a tournament because it's crucial for the team to prepare properly for the next game. There are a lot of games in a short time, and part of the training is to make sure the breaks come at the right time. I think it's good. If you check our record, we've never lost after a break. It's been helpful, not just for the players but for us as well. We are excited now with the games ahead."
Regarding Northeast United’s high-intensity play, Coach Lobera acknowledged that while Alaaeddine and other individual players are key, Northeast United is a well-balanced team with fast attackers and solid defenders. He said, "Yes, but it's not only one player. The individual qualities can be shared with the whole team that works well. Northeast United is not just about one player, they are a very strong team with many fast players in attacking positions. They also have balance in defense. I think it will be a very good game because both teams are scoring a lot of goals, but finding the right balance will be key. We’ve been conceding goals due to silly mistakes in transitions. From now until the end of the season, finding that balance will be essential to get the results we need to make the playoffs."
With the next few matches set to be decisive for Odisha FC's playoff hopes, Lobera spoke about the importance of focusing on the immediate challenge rather than looking too far ahead. He said, "It's amazing, right? Finally, we need to compete. But not just in the next 7 games, in the next 12 days, because in 12 days we’ll play 4 games, and that's a lot of points at stake. In these 12 days, we will have a clearer picture of our future in the competition. But it's important to focus on the next game. If we start thinking about where we will be in 12 days or a month, it won’t help us right now. We need to do our best and hopefully get three very important points at home."
Dorielton, reflecting on the upcoming match, mentioned that the team is ready for the challenge. He said, "Yes, I think everything is fine now. The team is ready for tomorrow. We know they have a good team, with strong strikers and a top scorer at the moment. But we are waiting for tomorrow and we're ready."
Dorielton also spoke about his improved connection with the team, noting that he is in good shape and has developed a better understanding of his teammates' playing styles. He said, "Yes, now I feel better. I'm in good shape now, and I’ve developed a good connection with the players. I’m starting to understand how the players like to play, and they also know how I like to play. Now, we don’t have time to think about losing the game. We have to focus and be prepared."
Match Details:
Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC
3rd Feb 2025 | Monday | 7:30 PM | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
Live on Sports18, JioCinema, Star Sports-3
Playoff Dreams: Odisha FC Sets Sights on Vital Home Games
The Kalinga Warriors will be back in action after a 12-day break as they face Northeast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on February 3rd, 2025, Monday, at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, with kick-off at 7:30 PM IST.
With four out of the next seven matches at home, Odisha FC has a real chance to make a push for the playoffs. Every point from here on out will be vital, and the passionate support of their fans at the Kalinga Stadium will play a key role in their bid to secure a top-six finish.
The Kalinga Warriors head into this fixture on the back of their first win in five matches, having secured a 3-2 comeback victory over Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Odisha FC staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a two-goal deficit to clinch their first-ever league double over Bengaluru. Currently sitting in 7th place with 24 points, the Warriors are gearing up for a crucial stretch of fixtures in February as they chase a top-six spot in the ISL 2024-25.
On the other hand, the Highlanders will come into this game full of confidence after securing a dominant 4-1 win at home, ending a four-game winless streak. With 28 points, the Highlanders are currently in 4th place in the league table.
Coach Lobera spoke about the importance of the 12-day break, explaining that it was necessary for the team to rest and recover. He said, "This break was needed for such a tournament because it's crucial for the team to prepare properly for the next game. There are a lot of games in a short time, and part of the training is to make sure the breaks come at the right time. I think it's good. If you check our record, we've never lost after a break. It's been helpful, not just for the players but for us as well. We are excited now with the games ahead."
Regarding Northeast United’s high-intensity play, Coach Lobera acknowledged that while Alaaeddine and other individual players are key, Northeast United is a well-balanced team with fast attackers and solid defenders. He said, "Yes, but it's not only one player. The individual qualities can be shared with the whole team that works well. Northeast United is not just about one player, they are a very strong team with many fast players in attacking positions. They also have balance in defense. I think it will be a very good game because both teams are scoring a lot of goals, but finding the right balance will be key. We’ve been conceding goals due to silly mistakes in transitions. From now until the end of the season, finding that balance will be essential to get the results we need to make the playoffs."
With the next few matches set to be decisive for Odisha FC's playoff hopes, Lobera spoke about the importance of focusing on the immediate challenge rather than looking too far ahead. He said, "It's amazing, right? Finally, we need to compete. But not just in the next 7 games, in the next 12 days, because in 12 days we’ll play 4 games, and that's a lot of points at stake. In these 12 days, we will have a clearer picture of our future in the competition. But it's important to focus on the next game. If we start thinking about where we will be in 12 days or a month, it won’t help us right now. We need to do our best and hopefully get three very important points at home."
Dorielton, reflecting on the upcoming match, mentioned that the team is ready for the challenge. He said, "Yes, I think everything is fine now. The team is ready for tomorrow. We know they have a good team, with strong strikers and a top scorer at the moment. But we are waiting for tomorrow and we're ready."
Dorielton also spoke about his improved connection with the team, noting that he is in good shape and has developed a better understanding of his teammates' playing styles. He said, "Yes, now I feel better. I'm in good shape now, and I’ve developed a good connection with the players. I’m starting to understand how the players like to play, and they also know how I like to play. Now, we don’t have time to think about losing the game. We have to focus and be prepared."
Match Details:
Odisha FC vs NorthEast United FC
3rd Feb 2025 | Monday | 7:30 PM | Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar
Live on Sports18, JioCinema, Star Sports-3
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