ISL 2019-20 | Game against Bengaluru will be interesting, predicts Josep Gombau
Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau has predicted that the game against Bengaluru FC at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune on Wednesday will be interesting and hoped to get the three points. Midfielder Xisco Hernandez expressed his happiness to play against his former side and is confident of a win.
Odisha FC who are sixth on the table with six points will host unbeaten Bengaluru FC at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune on Wednesday. The Kalinga team are coming after three consecutive draws and will be looking to end champions Bengaluru's unbeaten run. Meanwhile, a win will take Bengaluru to the top position in the table.
Both sides are playing under Spanish managers and plays in a similar ball possession games with predominantly Spanish players. And Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau has predicted that the game against a strong side like Bengaluru FC will be interesting.
“It’s is a difficult game to play. Bengaluru is one of the strongest sides and the current champions in the Indian Super League. I think it will be an interesting game. Both teams play similar football, to try to have the ball.” Josep Gombau told reporters at the pre-match conference, ISL website reported
“I think it will be a very interesting game for the people who will come to the stadium. We are preparing well. The way that we are approaching this game is that, we think, we can win. This is the aim. We will go to take the three points,” added Gombau.
ISL witnessed six draws in the last six matches with teams scoring equalizers in the late minutes. Josep Gombau then spoke of this trend.
“One thing that we can see clearly is that the last six games have been drawn. I think that this shows there is not a big difference (in quality) between the teams. Sometimes small details decide games. Bengaluru has a very good squad but we have the capacity to get a result.” the Spaniard added.
Odisha FC's star playmaker Xisco Hernandez who was with Josep Gombau at the pre-match press conference expressed his excitement to play against his former side.
“I am happy to arrive at this moment. This match is very special for me because last season, I played for Bengaluru.” said Xisco
The midfielder is in fine form with three goals in six games and is a key player in Odisha midfield. Moreover, the playmaker is confident of a win against his former side.
“The most important thing is the three points. Bengaluru is a good team. It will be a very difficult match. But if the team continues in the same way, with the ball and we don’t make mistakes, I think it is possible to win against Bengaluru,” he said.
