Odisha FC coach Sergio Lobera hailed his group’s mentality and character after its dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Mohun Bagan Tremendous Large within the first leg of the ISL 2023-24 semifinal on the Kalinga Stadium on Tuesday.
“It’s in regards to the mentality to win vital video games by exhibiting the correct character on the pitch. We have now all the time tried to point out robust character, velocity and competitiveness on the sphere. It isn’t the primary recreation we’ve come again after conceding a objective. I’m pleased with the way in which the gamers reacted after conceding the objective and bought themselves again within the recreation in opposition to a giant group like Mohun Bagan SG,” Lobera mentioned after the match.
The 47-year-old felt that this type of efficiency provides his group the psychological edge within the second leg, which will probably be performed in Kolkata. “We might like to take this benefit and mentality forward to Kolkata and attempt to hold the objective combination in our favour by placing out one other good efficiency,” he mentioned.
“It’s painful to lose a participant like Carlos (Delgado) to 2 yellow playing cards in this type of scenario however that’s soccer and you must be prepared for the problem. We’re feeling the joy of our supporters and are prepared for the following problem, there isn’t any stress. And just like the earlier time (within the AFC Cup) we’re hopeful of getting one other victory of their (Mohun Bagan’s) house in Kolkata,” Lobera reminded in regards to the large 5-2 win his group had in opposition to the identical opponent in Salt Lake Stadium on November 27, 2023, within the group stage of the continental event.
The Odisha FC head coach mentioned that his group ending the house video games unbeaten in the entire ISL season is a results of the laborious work and dedication put up by the gamers. “This achievement is proof of the laborious work put up by the gamers. It has been a tremendous season the place the group had some actually large achievements to stay unbeaten at house (within the ISL). I’m actually grateful to the supporters for the way in which they’ve backed the group and have pushed us to go for good outcomes even in tough conditions. Our supporters additionally deserve credit score for this large achievement of the group,” Lobera mentioned.
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The temper within the Mohun Bagan camp was a bit despondent after the defeat. Head coach Head coach Antonio Lopez Habas blamed particular person errors stemming from an absence of dedication on the sphere for the loss.
“There have been too many particular person errors which made it very tough to arrange the group to play collectively in opposition to a aspect like Odisha FC. Our gamers appeared to be stress-free mentally which is regular after you’ve made a giant achievement like profitable the League Defend,” Habas mentioned after the match.
“The gamers wanted to place their 100 per cent in a recreation just like the semifinal which didn’t occur right here. We now look to vary this within the subsequent recreation at house and qualify for the ultimate,” Habas mentioned in regards to the work that must be executed to get the group again in aggressive mode within the second leg scheduled at Kolkata on April 28 which the group must win by a two-goal margin to qualify for the ultimate.
“The preparation was there like some other match we’ve performed to this point however the gamers weren’t there within the recreation mentally and we are able to hope that the scenario will probably be completely completely different in Kolkata,” he added.
The Spaniard was additionally crucial of the usual of the officiating. “The referee made dangerous choices and (Armando) Sadiku didn’t deserve the second yellow as each the gamers went for the ball. Referees are making too many errors within the event which is dangerous for the sport,” Habas cocluded.