"Big game against a big team" - Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera ahead of the 2023-24 ISL semifinal second leg

Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera is excited about the prospect of facing League Shield Winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday, April 28. The two teams will be going head-to-head for a place in the 2023-24 ISL final which is scheduled to be held on May 4.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Odisha FC's all-important away clash against the Mariners, the 47-year-old sounded optimistic about achieving a positive result in Kolkata and making it to the summit clash. Heaping praise on their opponents and the iconic venue, the Spaniard admitted that it is going to be a tough challenge for his side.

"Big game against a big team in a very good stadium. Difficult place to play. I am confident because our players, always this season, have shown everyone that they are ready for the games and I am excited about this challenge with a positive mentality because I think we can get a very good result and reach the final. When you are playing in front of a lot of people in a stadium like this, you are playing for something important."

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"I need to try to find solutions" - Odisha FC coach Sergio Lobera

The Kalinga Warriors enter this game with a one-goal advantage having won the semifinal first leg 2-1 at home in Bhubaneshwar. Although Manvir Singh found the back of the net in just the third minute of the clash for the visitors, Carlos Delgado and Roy Krishna's strikes ensured the victory for Odisha FC.

Unfortunately, Delgado won't be appearing for Odisha FC in the second leg having received a red card in that game. Expressing his thoughts about the major absence of the Spanish defender for the match in Kolkata, a visibly disappointed bossman stated:

"Obviously to lose Carlos is painful, and also the way we lost him. But, in the end we don't need to try to find excuses. Me, as a coach, I need to try to find solutions. We need to be ready, and we have enough squad to play against them. But for sure, as a coach, I prefer to have all the players available."

Odisha FC were invincible at the Kalinga Stadium in this edition of the ISL remaining unbeaten throughout. About the unblemished home record and the overall performance of his team this season, an elated Sergio Lobera further went on to add:

"Amazing numbers and an amazing experience. The atmosphere (at home), was very good for us. It’s a big achievement. It has been an amazing job from the players, from the staff, or the people who are working with me. Also, our supporters helped us a lot, pushing us in our good moments and our bad moments. I think it's important to enjoy the way (leading us here to the semi-final), to enjoy this moment. Our responsibility is to make the people (our fans) happy."

If they can overcome the Mohun Bagan challenge on Sunday, it will be the first-ever ISL final appearance for Odisha FC who will be determined to clinch the trophy.