ISL 2019-20 | Disappointed with the draw, laments Josep Gombau

ISL 2019-20 | Disappointed with the draw, laments Josep Gombau

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Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau has lamented that he is disappointed with the draw after Odisha FC twice came back from behind in the 2-2 draw against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday. The Spanish head coach also heaped praise on his striker Aridane Santana.

Odisha FC once again holds onto a draw after coming from behind against Chennaiyin FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday. Nothing could separate the sides as the game ended on a scoreline of 2-2. Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau lamented about the missed chance and said, “Disappointed with the result. The second-half was very open with both teams attacking. In the first-half, we played very well and created chances. We should have scored one or two goals and should have won the game.” said Josep Gombau at the post-match press conference, ISL website reported.

The Spaniard, however, hailed his team's character for coming from behind twice in the second-half. “We made a mistake in midfield in the second-half which cost us a goal. The positive part was that the team had the composure to equalise in two-three minutes. After that we had an injury to Carlos Delgado and Marcos Tebar wasn’t feeling well. He had a stomach upset before the game. We conceded the second goal but had the mentality to attack and get one point,” the Spaniard said.

In the 82nd minute, Striker Aridane Santana scored the equalizer to secure a point for Odisha. The Spaniard is now the top goal scorer in the league with four goals. Moreover, Coach Gombau praises his striker. “Aridane is a top player. Having him in the team is a pleasure for me. He is a humble guy and high-quality player. He can finish but can also play between the lines. He is a very good signing for us and is now the top scorer (in the league). If we can put in more quality crosses in the box, he can score.” he added.

The draw was Odisha's third consecutive one and when asked about it, Gombau replied, “We want to play a type of football which is not easy. We try to play from the back, we play with attacking wingers. Today’s football is a game of mistakes, the team that makes less mistakes wins. Nowadays, a lot of goals come from transitions and set-pieces. Most teams sit back and wait for counter-attacking but I am not that type of coach, who waits for mistakes. I prefer to dominate games. We have spirit and play good football.” the coach concluded.

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