ISL 2021-22: It’s unfortunate we couldn’t win despite having opportunities – Odisha FC’s head coach Kino Garcia

Odisha FC head coach Kino Garcia stated that it’s unfortunate they couldn’t win against Bengaluru FC in the 97th game of the Hero Indian Super League at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim on Monday. Bengaluru FC was able to get the crucial three points as they won by 2-1 after Cleiton Silva and Danish scored for them.

Meanwhile, Odisha had drawn first blood in the match as Nandha had scored for them in the eighth minute of the game. In fact, the match was a close-fought contest as Odisha FC slightly dominated the possession with 51% whereas they took six shots on target while the Blues took five attempts on the goal.

Kino Garcia said in the post-match press conference, “Yes of course, with all the opportunities that we had, it’s unfortunate that we couldn’t win the match or at least get a draw”.

In fact, Bengaluru FC was missing the services of some of their key players and it was a golden opportunity for Odisha FC to take three points from the game.

Garcia added, “If you see all the chances we had and we couldn’t score. In the second half, they had one chance which was saved by Kamaljit and the penalty. Nothing more. We changed to a back three to come back and try and beat them and I think that we deserved something more but it’s football and if you don’t convert your attempts then you pay for it”.

Meanwhile, Odisha FC played with two foreign defenders and Garcia revealed that they wanted to mark the opposition attackers.

Garcia added, “Bengaluru FC is one of the best teams on set-pieces and we conceded one goal on the corner. So we wanted two foreign defenders who can mark the zone well. After their first goal, we couldn’t come back and in the second half, with the speed of Aridai Suarez and the quality of other players, we will have chances. I think in the second half we had control of the game but the penalty made the difference”.

Odisha FC has managed only six wins in 18 matches and they have 22 points under their bag. Thus, the semifinal hopes are all but over for Odisha FC.

Garcia concluded, “I am not sure mathematically but I think it’s really very difficult. We are trying to keep up the mood and try to beat ATK Mohun Bagan, Jamshedpur FC and have as many points as possible. At the end of the day it’s a game, sometimes you lose, sometimes you win and you have to try your best. Today we were unlucky but maybe we will be lucky in the next match”.

Odisha FC will face ATK Mohun Bagan at Tilak Maidan Stadium on Thursday.