Goa : Ahead of the Hyderabad FC match Odisha FC coach Stuart Baxter, pointed out how the team is looking forward to this important match to get a shape to their season. Even the signing of Rakesh Pradhan in the winter break was discussed in the pre match press conference.
“I think they (HFC) are a very good team. They are one of the best teams. I like the way they play, they can play both on transition and their gameplan can also work when they spread teams out, push their fullbacks forward, try to create little overloads. I think that with Aridane as a striker, they can go a little bit long if they want. They are may be one of the most complete teams and the coaches have done a very very good job,” the 67-year-old stated.
“In the first game, we gave them a good game especially given the fact, the game was decided on a penalty from a massive mistake by us. I am hoping that we can show that we have improved and I am hoping that we will do a lot better,” he further added.
Odisha FC had made a few changes in their formation in the previous game against Chennaiyin FC. Speaking about the same, the former South Africa manager explained, “We were forced to make changes in that game. The changes didn’t work out optimally and I have been of the opinion that we shouldn’t change unless we have to. So for this game, we will go with what we have available as the strongest team and I must say if we can get back our momentum.”
The Club, earlier today, announced the signing of 27-year-old defender Rakesh Pradhan on loan from NorthEast United FC. When asked about how this addition will be beneficial for the Bhubaneswar-based, the Head Coach replied, “We have a very young squad and I think his (Rakesh’s) experience will give us something. I think his versatility, he can play as a wide player for the forward or he can play as a left-back, should give us something. It’s very quick for him to come in and walk straight into the team. But we will assess all injuries, we will assess the stats and based on that we will see if he starts on the bench or he starts in the starting lineup.”
Daniel, who accompanied Coach Baxter to the media interaction, said that the players are working hard and are looking forward to an improved performance ahead. He said, “It’s been a difficult season for us but we as a team, we work even harder in the training and if we look at the beginning of the season and till now, the players understanding of each other have improved a lot and I hope in the coming games, we can show that we have improved. The gameplan will not be very different. We just need to stick to the plans and things that we have done in the training, we have to do in the game.”
“I am getting the opportunity to play, I am very happy and I want to prove that when I get the opportunity, I take the advantage of it. No matter if I score or the other player scores, the most important thing is that if I am on the field I have to make sure that I get the best out of my teammates and the win is the most important.”
“It’s been a difficult season but no matter what’s the result or what’s coming, I just want to say that keep supporting us. No matter what the result is, we will give everything on the pitch,” Daniel concluded with this message for the Odisha FC fans.
