Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera expressed satisfaction with his team’s determination and performance in their 2-1 victory over East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Thursday. The Kalinga Warriors, faced an early setback when the Red and Gold Brigade, took the lead with Lalchungnunga scoring in the 53rd minute. However, Odisha FC managed to equalize with Jerry Mawihmingthanga in the 55th and Hugo Boumous secured the win in the 81st minute.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Lobera highlighted the challenges posed by their opponents and emphasized areas for improvement in dealing with a 10-man East Bengal FC.

“I think it is not easy to play against East Bengal FC. They are a strong team, with three clean sheets in three games. It is not easy to play against East Bengal FC. We know that they are a very strong team in defence, with three clean sheets. It is not easy to score two goals because they are a very compact team, there is no distance between lines. This is maybe the reason why in the start of the game it was not easy for us. But I think we managed to win the possession of the ball. I think we generated our chances. The only thing I think we need to improve today in today's game is playing against ten players,” said Lobera.

With this win, Odisha FC extended their unbeaten streak to five games. This win was crucial after they dropped points against Mumbai City FC in Bhubaneswar during their previous fixture.

Speaking on the absence of Roy Krishna, the Fijian forward, who is out for the season due to an ACL injury, Lobera said, “Obviously, we need to replace Roy Krishna. Roy Krishna is an amazing player. We miss him a lot. Not only as a player but also as a person and a professional. We are working on that and we are going to have news very soon about the replacement of Roy Krishna.”

Odisha FC’s next challenge comes after a significant break, with their next match scheduled for December 27 against Mohammedan Sporting Club in Kolkata.

Speaking on this, he added, “There is a big gap, but this is what it is. We cannot complain. We need to try to find solutions. Finally, when we are coming back from this break, we are going to play three games in seven or eight days. It is a little bit crazy, but this is the situation. We cannot complain. We are here to work, trying to find solutions and not complaining because complaining won’t get us anything.”

Odisha FC has now played 12 matches this season, completing the first phase remaining third on the table with five wins and three losses.

Looking forward, Lobera said, “For me, till now, obviously, we need to grow as a team. We need to improve. We need to continue working. But I am happy with the work we have done because I think it's not easy in this (league) competition. The ISL will be very competitive at every point. You need to suffer a lot to get points. We are unbeaten at home, having only lost one game against Chennaiyin FC in two years. And we are competing well away. Today, we won against a very strong team. In the previous away match, we won 6-0 (against Hyderabad FC). I am happy. I am happy with the work we are doing, but obviously, there's always room for improvement."