Lobera Applauds Odisha FC’s Resilience in Tough Loss to Mohun Bagan SG
The Indian Super League (ISL) clash between Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan SG was an intense affair that showcased the true spirit of resilience, despite Odisha FC suffering a tough loss. Head coach Sergio Lobera, known for his tactical acumen and ability to inspire his players, was quick to praise the determination and tenacity displayed by his side, even though they were on the losing end. This match, in which Odisha FC faced a 2-1 defeat, revealed the team’s fighting spirit and determination to overcome adversities, characteristics that Lobera is keen to develop within his squad.
The Tactical Setup
From the start, Odisha FC came into the match with a clear tactical setup aimed at keeping Mohun Bagan SG’s potent attacking force at bay. Lobera’s side, which has been known for its attacking style and high press, adapted well to the challenge posed by the Mariners. They opted for a 4-3-3 formation that focused on quick transitions and playing out from the back, aiming to exploit the spaces left by Mohun Bagan’s aggressive press.
The first half was a close encounter with both teams trying to assert dominance. Odisha’s defensive structure, led by the experienced Alberto Noguera and the robust defense of Carlos Delgado, ensured that Mohun Bagan didn’t create too many clear-cut chances. However, the Mariners, with their quality and attacking prowess, were still able to test Odisha’s defense on multiple occasions. It was clear that Odisha FC was prepared to fight back with everything they had, even if the outcome wasn’t in their favor.
First-Half Struggles
Mohun Bagan SG’s early breakthrough in the first half did not come as a surprise, as they have been clinical in their finishing all season long. A well-worked move in the 23rd minute saw their striker, Dimitri Petratos, break the deadlock. Odisha FC, despite being on the back foot, kept their heads up and didn’t allow the goal to demoralize them. Lobera’s words from the sideline were filled with encouragement and optimism, reinforcing his belief in the squad’s potential.
Lobera’s approach of remaining calm and not letting the team get overwhelmed by the situation was evident. Odisha FC continued to play with purpose, trying to regain possession quickly and launch counter-attacks when possible. But Mohun Bagan’s defense, led by the formidable Sandesh Jhingan, was difficult to break down. Odisha’s forward line, which had been effective throughout the season, struggled to find the final pass or finish in front of goal.
Despite their defensive setup being largely intact, Odisha FC was unable to create clear chances in the first half, as the attacking combinations never quite clicked. Lobera’s halftime talk was certainly focused on tightening up their attack and finding better moments to press forward, without losing their defensive shape.
The Resilience and Fightback
The second half saw a more determined Odisha FC side, coming out of the locker room with renewed intent. Lobera, who has been known for making effective in-game changes, switched things up by introducing a more dynamic offensive presence in the form of Jerry Mawihmingthanga. The change was a signal that Odisha FC was not willing to settle for a narrow loss.
Minutes after the restart, Odisha FC nearly equalized through a well-worked set piece, but the Mohun Bagan defense managed to clear the ball off the line. This moment highlighted the resilience that Lobera was so proud of—his players were constantly testing the opposition and refusing to back down. Odisha’s midfielders were the engine of the team, with Noguera and Vikram Pratap Singh keeping possession and distributing well.
In the 72nd minute, Odisha FC did manage to find the equalizer, with a stunning long-range strike from their young midfielder, Raynier Fernandes. The goal was a result of relentless pressing and a long ball that caught the Mohun Bagan defense off guard. It was a well-deserved goal that reflected the team’s spirit and never-say-die attitude.
However, despite the equalizer, Odisha FC could not hold onto the momentum for long. A lapse in concentration during a set-piece in the 80th minute led to an unfortunate own goal by Odisha’s Carlos Delgado, gifting Mohun Bagan SG a 2-1 lead. This proved to be the final blow in an otherwise commendable performance by the team.
Lobera’s Praise for Resilience
Post-match, Sergio Lobera was quick to praise his team’s resilience and the way they fought until the final whistle. He acknowledged that while the loss was disappointing, there were significant positives to take away from the match. “We fought hard, and I am proud of the way the players approached the game. We did not let our heads drop after going down early. The equalizer showed our resolve, and we kept pushing. Unfortunately, we made an error at a critical moment, and that cost us,” Lobera said in his post-match interview.
He further emphasized that while mistakes are a part of the game, the team’s attitude in response to adversity was what stood out the most. Lobera, who has been working on instilling a high level of belief in his players, was content with the way his squad kept their composure despite the pressure. His message to the team was clear: “We must learn from this and improve, but the most important thing is to stay focused on the next game. Every match is a new opportunity.”
The way Odisha FC responded to going behind early showed the character Lobera has nurtured in this squad. His ability to extract the best from his players, even when things aren’t going according to plan, is one of his key strengths as a coach. The manner in which his players pressed on and continued to create chances after the setback was a testament to Lobera’s influence on the team.
Moving Forward
The loss to Mohun Bagan SG, while disappointing, is not the end of Odisha FC’s season. With several matches still to play, the team has the potential to regroup and learn from their mistakes. Lobera’s focus on resilience, character, and tactical flexibility will undoubtedly help the team bounce back. While the defeat might sting, the manner in which Odisha FC played against one of the strongest sides in the ISL speaks volumes about their potential.
For Lobera, the focus will be on maintaining the team’s morale and continuing to improve with each game. The coach’s calm and collected demeanor post-match, coupled with his belief in his squad, will provide the foundation for a recovery. The task ahead will be to ensure that his team can carry this fighting spirit into their next fixture, building on the positives and addressing the shortcomings that led to their loss.
In conclusion, while Odisha FC faced a tough loss to Mohun Bagan SG, the resilience and determination shown throughout the game, especially in the face of adversity, will give them confidence moving forward. Lobera’s leadership, tactical insights, and ability to keep his players grounded and focused on improvement will be crucial as the season progresses. For Odisha FC, this is just a bump in the road; with Lobera at the helm, they are destined to come back stronger.
