ISL 2021: It is important to be loyal to our style of play – Sergio Lobera

The second-placed Mumbai City FC came up with a dominating performance in the 105th match of the ongoing Indian Super League as they thrashed Odisha FC 6-1 at the GMC Stadium Bambolim on Wednesday. Odisha took the lead in the ninth minute when Diego Mauricio scored from the penalty spot.

However, Mumbai City FC scored the equalizer in the 13th minute when their talisman Bartholomew Ogbeche found the back of the net. Subsequently, the floodgates opened as Mumbai City was relentless in its approach.

Bipin Singh scored a hat-trick whereas Bartholomew Ogbeche scored another one to bag a brace. Cy Goddard also got his name on the scoring sheet as he scored before the half-time whistle.

The Highlanders came up with a fine performance and their head coach Sergio Lobera stated that it crucial for them to back their style of play, which is to play aggressively.

Lobera said in the post-match presentation, “I am very happy with the performance of the team. The mistakes we made in the last games… because we were trying to play individually. It is very important to be loyal to our style of play. Against Odisha FC, we were very strong as a team.” 

Lobera credited his players to bounce back into the match after conceding an early goal in the ninth minute. Mumbai City didn’t look back Ogbeche scored in the 13th minute.

“In terms of results, this was the best [performance]. But the most important thing for me is not the result, it is how the team got the result. We reacted well from a difficult condition, having conceded a penalty early,” he said. 

On the other hand, Odisha FC interim head coach Steven Dias admitted that they were expecting a tough match against a potent team like Mumbai City FC.

Odisha FC will next take on SC East Bengal on Saturday at the GMC Stadium, Bambolim whereas Mumbai City FC will face ATK Mohun Bagan on Sunday at the same venue.