ISL 2023-24: We need to learn how to manage the game in the second half: Odisha FC’s Sergio Lobera

Odisha FC’s head coach Sergio Lobera feels the team needs to learn how to manage the game in the second half in the ongoing Indian Super League. The Juggernauts haven’t got off to a great start in the 10th edition of the competition as they have won a solitary game out of the four they have played and they are currently in eighth place.

In fact, the Kalinga Warriors have lost their last two matches and they will look to get back to winning ways against Bengaluru FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

Sobera admitted his players are going to have their work cut out against Bengaluru FC, who are also in a similar position in the standings.

“We are going to play against a difficult team because I think they have very good players but we are ready. We are excited with this new opportunity,” Lobera said in the pre-match press conference.

Meanwhile, Odisha FC suffered a 2-1 loss against Kerala Blasters in their previous match. Odisha were in control but conceded twice in the second half against the Tuskers. The Spaniard admitted it was a painful loss for them.

“It was painful, the last game for us but we are looking forward to playing BFC,” he said.

“When you lost one game, you want to immediately play the next game because it is an opportunity to show everyone that we can come back stronger,” the Spaniard added.

Lobera feels the team has been at its best in the four matches in the first half but they have veered off the track in the second half of the game.

“In the previous games against Chennaiyin FC, Mumbai City FC, FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC it was an amazing first half where we scored the first goal in all the games. We (have) lost a lot of points in the last minutes,” he said.

“We want to win but we need to put our focus on this game. We need to analyse the things we did before and improve some things, I think we scored first in all the games we played and maybe we need to learn to manage the game in the second half,” Lobera added.

Lobera showered praise on Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri but acknowledged that the team is more important to him than individuals.

“Sunil Chhetri is a very good player. He gives them a lot of balance. We know the potential of this player but as I said the most important thing for me is the team. It is not about individuals,” Lobera opined.