Despite putting up strong displays, Odisha FC lost both of its initial games in the current Indian Super League (ISL) season, and head coach Sergio Lobera seemed dissatisfied with his team. At the JLN Stadium here on Friday, Odisha FC lost 1-2 against Punjab FC.
Odisha suffered a hard setback in their first match of the 2023–24 season against Chennaiyin FC, losing 2-3 despite holding a 2-0 lead in the contest, after spending the whole season undefeated at home at Kalinga Stadium.
Lobera emphasized the value of having a strong mental toughness on Friday and expressed his desire to turn Kalinga Stadium back into a stronghold.
“This is the squad we need to develop and perform at the same feeling and level at the Kalinga Stadium last season. We have the chance to play the forthcoming games at home, where we were extremely strong and went undefeated last season. Not only do we need to make tactical changes to our physical state but also to our mental state. During the press conference after the game, Lobera said, “This situation happened last season and we need to cope and be mentally strong. Be a quality side and mentally strong.”
The next three games for Odisha are against East Bengal FC, Kerala Blasters, and Jamshedpur FC at home.
Odisha suffered a 1-2 loss at the JLN Stadium in New Delhi against Punjab FC. In the first half, the side found it difficult to break out of the books. Lobera opted to start Hugo Boumous in attack, Roy Krishna, who was playing for the club for the 100th time, Diego Mauricio, and star midfielder Ahmed Jahouh on the bench.
The Spaniard realized his squad desperately needed a change after falling down 1-0 at the interval, so he made three substitutions. At the half, Jerry Mawihngthanga, Rahim Ali, and Ahmed Jahouh were introduced.
The away team’s play showed immediate promise in the second half, but it was unable to generate many noteworthy opportunities throughout the match. Even though they added a late consolation goal, there was not enough time left to try to find an equalizer when they let up yet another goal in the 89th minute.
