Sharing their views on leadership, the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season that lies ahead and much more, Odisha FC’s co-captains – Victor Mongil, Hector Rodas and Vinit Rai – had a candid chat with the Hero ISL on the Let’s Football Live Twitter Space.

With a revamped squad and a new head coach in Kiko Ramirez, Odisha FC have a big Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season to look forward to. They would be hoping to turn around their fortunes after finishing bottom of the table last season, recording just two wins from their 20 games.

They’ve made a few eye-catching signings for the upcoming season, roping in foreigners such as Jonathas de Jesus, Liridon Krasniqi, Aridai Cabrera and Javi Hernández to name a few.

And their co-captains for the season are optimistic about their side’s chances to be fierce competitors this season. Although Mongil and Rodas will be donning the Odisha jersey for the first time in the upcoming campaign, Rai has been a mainstay in the squad for a few seasons now, and the promising midfielder has continued to impress with every new campaign.

Having been appointed as one of the captains ahead of the eighth edition of the Hero ISL, Rai is looking forward to a positive season.

"Since the day I joined (Odisha FC), I have never been to the (Hero ISL) playoffs. This year, I just want to dedicate myself to the team, so the team gets the result that they want and I'm going to (make sure we) achieve that," Rai stated.

A leaky defence was a major factor in the Kalinga Warriors ending up at the bottom of the table in the previous campaign, as they conceded the most goals in the league. The addition of Rodas shall help shore things up at the back, as the centre-back arrives in India with heaps of experience, having played for top Spanish clubs like Elche and Real Betis.

“My personal goal is to always help my team. I want to impress on the pitch and help the club grow this season,” the Spaniard said.

“Maybe I can score some goals, maybe from set pieces I can score, but first is always the team, to try helping my teammates and ensure that we do the good things,” he added.

As the games continue to be played behind closed doors and will be held in Goa due to COVID-19 restrictions, Odisha FC shall miss the passionate support of their fans at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.

Mongil, one of the newest foreign acquisitions and a former Hero ISL winner, acknowledged the void that has been created due to the absence of fans and appealed to the Odisha FC faithful to continue voicing their support for the team.

“My message for the Odisha fans, (and) the Juggernauts, is, support us. Throughout the season we will have good moments, and hopefully lesser bad moments,” he stated.

“We are inside the bubble, we can’t move outside and disconnect. We only focus on training and games, and that is all, for me and for my teammates, to give the maximum on the pitch. Hopefully we have a good performance this season.”

Odisha FC shall look to put the results from last season behind them and commence their campaign on a strong note, as they face Bengaluru FC in their season opener on 24th November.