Odisha FC head coach Kiko Ramirez stressed on the need to keep on improving the players individually ahead of the match against Kerala Blasters FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) at the Tilak Maidan, in Vasco on Sunday.

Ramirez’s team have won both their opening matches, having beaten Bengaluru FC and SC East Bengal.

The head coach addressed the media in the pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's game.

Here are the excerpts from the press conference:

Odisha FC have won two of their opening two matches, what are the improvements the team needs now?

Ramirez: We need to improve a lot of things and we are working on that ahead of the next match, maybe not to lose the concentration in some moments of the match and losing the control of the game because the last minutes (against SC East Bengal) were quite crazy.

Odisha FC have conceded goals towards the end of the game and also from set-pieces, so how are you planning to improve on those areas?

Ramirez: We worked on that during the week and the team has improved and now has a clear idea of what we want. And of course, it is important that the players stay focused for 90 minutes.

Odisha FC have scored a lot of goals from open plays, set-pieces, what do you think is working for you right now in the attacking department?

Ramirez: We are happy about that. We are scoring goals in different ways. We will keep working on that. We will keep working on the players to find the best version and keep improving their individual capabilities of each one and also try to make more attempts, so that we score.

What's your opinion about Kerala Blasters and their head coach based on whatever you've seen so far?

Ramirez: We played a friendly match against them during their pre-season. So we faced them and we know they are a good team, they are working good. Maybe they are not having good results, but it would be a hard match for everybody.

Odisha FC skipper Victor Mongil was also present at the press conference and addressed to the questions put forward:

You have played in the previously in the Hero ISL and won it. What are changes you have seen since the day you’ve come back and how has the experience been with Odisha FC so far?

Mongil: This is my second stint in the Hero ISL and I think the level is better in this league now. Many foreigners play here in the league and Indian players are also stepping up their level. It is more difficult now. A good team like FC Goa are at the bottom, but that can change within days.

What are the thoughts on your partnership with fellow Spaniard Hector Rodas in the defence?

Mongil: Yes, he's amazing. It's very easy going with him on the pitch because we speak in the same language and it's good. It's good because in the matches, during the crucial moments, It is easy for us.