ISL 2023-24: The reaction from the players was amazing – Odisha FC’s Sergio Lobera after first-leg semifinal win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Odisha FC head coach Sergio Lobera was delighted after their 2-1 first-leg semifinal win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar on Tuesday in the ongoing Indian Super League.

Lobera said the reaction from players was amazing after going 0-1 down early into the game. Manvir Singh scored in the third minute for the League Shield Champions but the Kalinga Warriors were quick to bounce back, scoring in the 11th minute as Carlos Delgado found the equalizer.

Roy Krishna then gave a 2-1 lead to the home team in the 39th minute of the game and the second half went goalless.

“As always, this team has shown everyone strong character, quality, and a strong mentality. It’s not the first time we’ve come back after conceding a goal. The reaction of the players is very important because when we concede a goal in a big, important game like today or against a strong team like Mohun Bagan SG, it’s not easy to react (after conceding the goal),” Sergio Lobera said in the post-match press conference.

“But I’m very happy and proud of my players because the reaction was amazing. We continue to be loyal to our style of play, trying to dominate the game. We dominated many phases of the game and generated several chances. It’s very important if you want to win big games—to have this mentality and character. And the team showed this mentality and character in a difficult situation, conceding one goal early,” he added.

The Spanish tactician gave credit to all the players for working hard and getting the desired result. The gaffer also gave his gratitude to all the fans for their unwavering support.

“There is no secret. Finally, the team works hard; they are having an amazing season. It’s a big achievement, big numbers to be unbeaten at home, and I also want to say ‘thank you’ to our supporters because they are pushing us and helping us in difficult moments,” he commented.

“Because pushing us in a good moment and being with us in a good moment is very easy. But when you’re in difficult moments, during the game or some period of the season, it’s important to have them push us. They also deserve these results, and I’m very happy with these results because, I think, it’s a big achievement,” he continued.

The second-leg semifinal between these two teams will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Sunday.