Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera was satisfied with his team’s performance after they played out a goalless draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Keeping intact their defensive organisation, both sides fought toe-to-toe from the offset, which made it hard to break the deadlock. However, the Mariners created plenty of promising goalscoring moves with Armando Sadiku and Manvir Singh coming close to scoring. Meanwhile, the Kalinga Warriors too had their chances with Isak Vanlalruatfela and Roy Krishna threatening the opponisiton.

After securing a point against Habas’s side, Odisha FC continue to be placed at the top of the table with 32 points in 16 games.

Lobera acknowledged that it was an end-to-end game and was delighted with his team’s performance against the Mariners. He commended his players' work rate, who gave their all on the pitch to keep the scores level throughout the 90 minutes.

“For me, it's very important what you deserve, not only what you get. And I think today the team played a very good game. It was a very equal game. I think we played against maybe the strongest team in India, and we competed very well,” he said in the post-match press conference.

“I think when you are not getting three points, you are not happy. But as a coach, I cannot ask more of my players because they fought till the end,” he added.

Lobera opined that his side created more goal-scoring opportunities in front of the goal but is satisfied with the ultimate result because of how the match took place.

“Maybe it's a fine result. Because in the end, it was a very equal game. But in terms of clear chances, maybe we have very clear chances with Roy Krishna, especially. Analysing this game, I think maybe one point is not enough, but it’s good; it's fine,” he commented.

Odisha FC currently occupy the top spot but have played more matches than other teams like Mumbai City FC, Mohun Bagan SG, and FC Goa, who are also fighting for the League Shield. Lobera expressed delight with his team's current position and is not worried about other teams who are looking to close the gap with them.

“We are not feeling pressure (at the top of the table). We are feeling excited to make our dream come true.”

“Maybe the pressure is on other teams, for whom it is compulsory to win and finish at the top of the table. I think we are in a very good position. We are at the top of the table today; they need to win games to reach there. But now we are in a good position. Obviously, you always want to be in the best position possible. But today (against Mohun Bagan SG), unfortunately, we cannot get three points. But I am happy with the performance of my team,” he continued.

Lobera emphasised the importance of every single match going forward in this league, as he believes that all teams would give their best to reach the best place possible in the points table. Lobera has his eyes fixed on their next home match against East Bengal FC, which is scheduled for February 29.

“Every game now is like a final. We are going to play six games, and all the teams involved in some situations are like a final,” he said.

“We are going to play against East Bengal FC and Chennaiyin FC, but we need to put the focus on the next game and try to do our best because, as I told you, every game now is crucial for each team that is fighting for something,” he concluded.