Odisha FC eyes crucial clash against Mumbai City FC

Bhubaneswar: The Kalinga Warriors returned to winning ways, heading into this fixture after a commanding 4-2 victory over in-form Bengaluru FC. They are set to host the Mumbai City FC on Thursday at Kalinga Stadium here.

Currently 3rd in the ISL standings with 15 points from 10 matches, Odisha FC has hit its stride with impressive performances in recent games. However, the team faces a significant setback with Roy Krishna sidelined for the season due to injury.

Confirming the news, head coach Sergio Lobera said, "It's sad news for the team. Roy is not just an incredible player but also a fantastic human being. We’ll miss him on the pitch, but I’m sure he’ll continue to support us off it. He’s one of the best professionals I’ve worked with, and I wish him a speedy recovery." Despite this loss, the team remains focused and ready for the challenges ahead.

Mumbai City FC, after a slow start to their campaign, enters this match on the back of a narrow 1-0 victory against Hyderabad FC. This season, they currently sit in 8th place on the league table with 13 points from 9 matches.  In head-to-head encounters, Mumbai City has won 11 of their 20 matches against Odisha FC.

Discussing the team’s preparation for back-to-back home matches in the press conference, Lobera admitted the challenges of managing a tight schedule. "It’s not easy when you have just two training sessions, primarily focused on recovery and compensation. But we don’t make excuses. This is football, and we need to adapt. It’s another challenge for us to overcome, and I believe we’re ready."

 Jerry Mawihmingthanga, who recently celebrated his 100th ISL appearance, shared his emotions about the milestone:  "It’s an incredible journey to have played 100 matches for Odisha FC. This club holds a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful to the fans, the staff, and everyone who believed in me. It’s a proud moment for me and my family."

When asked about motivating younger players, Jerry emphasized unity and discipline. "The most important thing is to listen to the coach and stick to the game plan. If we focus on what the coach asks us to do and give our best, everything else falls into place."