Playing in Asia helps players, teams, and clubs grow: Odisha FC’s Clifford Miranda

Odisha FC head coach Clifford Miranda believes playing in Asia will help players, teams, and clubs grow. The Kalinga Warriors won Hero Club Playoffs match against Gokulam Kerala FC to book their spot in next season’s AFC Cup. Diego Mauricio, who won the Golden Boot award earlier in the ISL, scored a hat trick for Odisha FC as they won by 3-1 against Gokulam Kerala.

The Juggernauts have been in amazing form as they recently won the Hero Super Cup by beating Bengaluru FC by 2-1.

“It’s always great to play in Asia, whether it’s in the AFC Champions League or the AFC Cup. It’s a different competition and environment that offers a beautiful experience. It is like playing in an international competition,” Miranda said in an interview after the game.

“Playing in Asia helps players, teams, and clubs grow. It is fantastic when you represent yourself not just in India but in Asia also,” he added.

Miranda added his team should aim to compete in Asia and they will aim to deliver their best against the best in the business.

“The club should aim to compete in Asia, but in order to do so, they must first aim to be in the top position of the Hero ISL and strive to qualify for Asia year after year,” he said.

The head coach went on to add that it was difficult for his team to take the field after winning the Super Cup.

“It was difficult (for us). Especially if there is a game soon after winning a tournament as it becomes difficult to motivate the players because they sometimes remain in that celebration mood,” explained Miranda.

Reflecting on the performance of his players, he said: “Credit goes to the players for motivating themselves. The concentration level of the players was fantastic. They were ready to fight for every ball, to win every ball. The way we controlled the spaces when the opposition had the ball was just fantastic.”