ISL 2023-24: Our target is to get a six points gap atop the league table: Odisha FC’s Sergio Lobera

Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera reckons their target is to get a lead of six points at the top of the points table. The Kalinga Warriors currently have 30 points in the standings whereas FC Goa have a total of 27 points under their belt.

The Juggernauts is at the top of the Indian Super League standings with nine wins in 14 matches whereas the Gaurs are placed in second place in the points table with eight wins and three draws in 11 matches. FC Goa is the solitary unbeaten team in the tournament so far and thus Odisha FC will have their work cut out when they take on Manuel Marquez’s team on Friday.

“We know there are different numbers of games played, but we are in a very good position. I think maybe they (FC Goa) are feeling pressure because if we can win the game, and get three points, then the gap between the teams will be six points. Then, the opponent teams would need to win. And this is the target,” stated Lobera in the pre-match press conference.

The Spaniard tipped FC Goa as the best team in the tournament. Odisha FC suffered a 2-3 loss against the Gaurs earlier in the season in October and they will be determined to take their revenge.

“We know we are going to play maybe the best team at this moment in the league because they are very competitive, they are working very well, in defence, as well as in the attack. They are playing practical football (which is) very effective. And it is not easy to play against them. But we need to follow the same way we played against them in the Super Cup,” shared Lobera.

Odisha FC have a dominant record while playing at the Kalinga Stadium as they have been unbeaten in their last seven matches at home.

“We are very happy to be here at this moment, with this situation and hopefully in our stadium in front of our supporters, we can keep the good momentum we have,” he concluded.