Our main target is the ISL – Sergio Lobera ahead of new season

Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera has revealed his team’s main target is to do well in the upcoming season of the Indian Super League. The club finished in fourth place in the ISL 2023-24 standings, which is their best finish thus far in the history of the Indian Super League. Furthermore, Odisha FC remained unbeaten while playing at their home venue of Kalinga Stadium throughout the previous season.

Under Sergio Lobera’s tutelage, the Kalinga Warriors has played 38 matches so far, securing victories in 21, drawing seven, while suffering 10 losses. Thus, the Spaniard will look to keep up the good show after his contract extension till 2026.

Furthermore, Odisha FC has been ticking the right boxes in the pre-season and Lobera is optimistic of continuing the good form in the ISL.

“We’re excited about the new ISL season and are working very hard during pre-season. We had the opportunity to participate in the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy in Goa, preparing the team in the best way possible. We secured wins against an Australian team (Brisbane Roar FC) and an Argentine side (Defensa y Justicia),” Lobera said in an exclusive interview with indiansuperleague.com during the media day in Kolkata.

“I think we’re doing a good job (in the pre-season), but our main target is the ISL. We also secured a win against ISL club Chennaiyin FC during pre-season, but that’s in the past. Now, we need to focus on the future. We’re heading into the final and will use this opportunity to prepare ourselves in the best possible way for our first ISL game against Chennaiyin FC,” the Spaniard added.

Odisha FC have also added the services of Spanish attacking midfielder Hugo Boumous, who arrives from Mohun Bagan Super Giant. 

“Yes, he (Hugo Boumous) is a very good player. He is the best-attacking midfielder. However, the most important thing is the team; it’s not about individuality,” Lobera said.

Odisha FC will kick off their Indian Super League 2024-25 campaign against Chennaiyin FC at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on 14th September.