ISL 2023-24: Our target is to finish unbeaten at home – Odisha FC’s Sergio Lobera before semifinal against Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera said their target is to finish unbeaten at home before the all-important first-leg semifinal against Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Tuesday. The Kalinga Warriors have an exceptional record while playing at home and they will look to take home advantage against the League Shield champions.

Odisha FC finished the league stage in fourth place in the standings with 11 wins, six draws, and five losses, and a total of 39 points.

Meanwhile, Odisha FC played a 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant earlier in the season and recently played a 0-0 draw against the Antonio Habas’ team.

“I am confident because my players give me this confidence. My players showed this throughout the season that they are ready for big challenges and big games. When you have players and professionals like these while going to the dressing room, the training sessions, or the stadium to play big games, it gives (you) confidence,” Lobera said in the pre-match press conference.

“As a coach, you know, they are warriors; they keep believing and fighting till the end, and they are ready for a big challenge. I am confident about tomorrow’s game (on Tuesday) here (in Bhubaneswar) and about also competing well in Kolkata,” he added.

Odisha FC have been unbeaten at home and they will look to carry the same form while playing against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

“The team is competing well. In Kalinga, we have amazing numbers. It’s not normal in one (league) competition to get nine wins, three draws, and go unbeaten (at home). To play here is not easy because we have a good atmosphere, and the supporters give us lots of things during the game, especially in difficult moments, pushing us to get something important,” Lobera commented.

“It’s very special to play in Kalinga. We are coming to the stadium, and we are feeling that we are ready for everything. I think the opposing teams arriving at the stadium may think that it would be very difficult to play there in this stadium. We need to keep (doing) this. Our target is to finish the season unbeaten at home,” he continued.