With only a quarter of the game remaining, Chennaiyin FC appeared to be on their way to their second home win of the season. However, Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC were resolute and made tremendous efforts to recover in the dying few minutes to earn a draw against the hosts. Let’s look at what Sergio Lobera stated after the draw with Marina Machans.
Lobera on the result
Although they managed to salvage a point after rallying from a two-goal deficit, Sergio Lobera was extremely disappointed with the outcome and the way his team gave the opponent the goals. Amrinder was at fault for the first goal, and Shields was given too much room for the second goal. Lobera stated that draws will not help Odisha move up the table, as the team has only won once in their previous five games.
“With draws it’s not easy to be in a good position on the table. You need to win games. I think we need to improve because finally we need to analyze the game today as professionals. As professionals we cannot be happy. I think we cannot give gifts to the opponent like this. Because in the previous game against FC Goa we conceded practically two goals in five minutes, starting the second half. And today we did the same.”
“It’s so difficult when you are giving gifts to the opponent to come back and try to win the game. How many games we didn’t win, and we scored two goals? A lot, a lot. That means we need to improve giving more balance to the team in attack and defence. But silly mistakes we need to try to avoid. Because finally it’s more than our mistakes than the merit of the opponent when we concede goals.”
Lobera on Rahul KP’s performance
Odisha FC officially confirmed Rahul KP’s signing on January 6, 2025. Three days later, head coach Sergio Lobera immediately gave him his complete debut against Chennaiyin FC. The former Kerala Blasters winger had a strong influence on the game and was significantly engaged in the equaliser, which was deemed as a Nawaz own goal. Lobera discussed the influence Rahul KP had and expressed admiration for his abilities on the pitch.
“I am very happy with him. Not only because he scored one goal. He worked very hard. He is a player who can help us a lot. He fits very well in our style of play. I am happy for him, and I am happy for us. Because when you have more tools, more options as a coach, it’s better for me. It increases the competitiveness between the players. He is a good player. For sure he can help us.”
Lobera on the January transfer window
Odisha FC has already completed two signings. Due to Roy Krishna’s injury, they had to look for a new foreign player, thus they signed Dorielton to take his position. They also added Rahul KP from Kerala Blasters, bringing further competition to the team. Sergio Lobera stated that it is extremely unlikely that the team would make any additional additions during the transfer season.
“I don’t think so (the club will sign any more players). The club signed Dorielton because Roy Krishna was a big miss for us. We missed Roy Krishna a lot. And now signing Rahul KP. I think the club made an effort. I don’t think we can do more movement in this market.”
Follow Footy India on Instagram and X for more updates on Indian Football.
Footy India 