Shameel Chembakath urges players to not make mistakes after loss against Odisha FC

Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath wants his players to reduce their mistakes after a 1-3 loss against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneshwar in the ongoing Indian Super League on Friday. 

Stefan Sapcic scored for the Nawabs in the 30th minute to put the visitors in front. However, the hosts bounced back strongly after the halftime break as Mourtada Fall and Hugo Boumous scored within five minutes. Rahim Ali was able to put the game to bed as he scored in the 70th minute for the hosts.

“It was a good start in the first half, and conceding two goals in the five minutes (of the second half) is really disappointing. It’s one of the things that we need to focus on in the coming matches,” Chembakath said in the post-match press conference.

“It’s more important to know how to manage when you’re leading. I think this is one of the things that we need to work on before we play against Mumbai City FC,” he added.

The gaffer said they can not afford to give chances to an attacking team like Odisha FC.

“It’s all about the set pieces, which we improved in the last few matches. And of course, when you’re playing against an attacking threat team, if you give them a chance, they will punish you for sure,” he explained.

The interim head coach urged his players to not make mistakes and tighten the defense.

“That is one of the things. They were overloading more on the wings; that is one of their playing styles, and we couldn’t stop them in such moments.”

“I think we need to work on how we manage the situation in the deep plays. But you know, every team will punish you when you make errors. So, we need to concentrate more on not making mistakes,” he further added.

Hyderabad FC will next take on East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on 26th February.