Odisha, NEUFC look to move up the ladder
Enjoying a 12-day break since their 3-2 comeback victory against Bengaluru FC away, Odisha FC – currently seventh on the league table – will look to push for the top six when they take on NorthEast United FC in their 18th round match of Indian Super League (ISL) in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
Outside the playoff zone with only seven league rounds left, every point is crucial for Sergio Lobera‘s wards if they want to be in contention for a knockout berth. And given their superb home record, the Kalinga Warriors will be more than happy to play four of those rounds at Kalinga Stadium.
Speaking about the benefits of a long break, Lobera 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.”
Juan Pedro Benali and his men will go into the fixture full of confidence following their comprehensive 4-1 home win over Hyderabad FC, which ended their four-match winless streak. The Highlanders are fourth on the table with 28 points from 18 games, ahead of BFC (5th) and Mumbai City FC (6th) only on goal difference.
Benali encouraged his team to sustain the intensity. “We have been working hard full season. We need to keep going until the very end to get where we want to,” Benali said.
Acknowledging the visitors’ high-intensity game, Lobera said, “Yes, Northeast United are a very strong team with many fast players in attacking positions. They also have balance in defence. 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.”
However, Lobera wants to focus on the immediate challenge. “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.”
Outside the playoff zone with only seven league rounds left, every point is crucial for Sergio Lobera‘s wards if they want to be in contention for a knockout berth. And given their superb home record, the Kalinga Warriors will be more than happy to play four of those rounds at Kalinga Stadium.
Speaking about the benefits of a long break, Lobera 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.”
Juan Pedro Benali and his men will go into the fixture full of confidence following their comprehensive 4-1 home win over Hyderabad FC, which ended their four-match winless streak. The Highlanders are fourth on the table with 28 points from 18 games, ahead of BFC (5th) and Mumbai City FC (6th) only on goal difference.
Benali encouraged his team to sustain the intensity. “We have been working hard full season. We need to keep going until the very end to get where we want to,” Benali said.
Acknowledging the visitors’ high-intensity game, Lobera said, “Yes, Northeast United are a very strong team with many fast players in attacking positions. They also have balance in defence. 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.”
However, Lobera wants to focus on the immediate challenge. “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.”
