ISL 2022-23: We want to win as many trophies as possible: Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau

Odisha FC new head coach Josep Gombau has said they want to win as many trophies as possible ahead of the ninth season of the Hero Indian Super League. The upcoming season will be longer in Indian football calendar and the Kalingas will look to come up with a better show in Durand Cup, the Hero ISL, and the Super Cup.

Meanwhile, Odisha FC finished at seventh position in Hero ISL 2021-22 standings with six wins and a total of 23 points in their 20 league stage matches. Thus, they failed to qualify for the semifinal stages and they will be determined to turn the tables in the next season.

This will be Josep Gombau’s second spell with the Juggernauts and he will aim to deliver the goods for the club. Odisha FC had performed well under the tutelage of Josep Gombau during his first stint with the team.

Revealing his plan for the upcoming season, Gombau said, “I’m so happy to be here, and grateful to the management team for having faith in me. This year is going to be special as we’re back in Odisha after two seasons. I’ve seen many changes here [at Odisha FC], the facilities are much better. The plan is to make a strong team, to be proud of the club.”

He added, “Yes, of course. This is a new start, a new project, and we will look into all details – small as well as big, to make this team grow. We have six new foreign players, three new Indian players, and three new developmental players which makes half of the squad. And we’re all working together to bring this team in shape, to bring our best game on the pitch before the start of the Hero ISL season with the challenge to reach the semi-finals and win the league.”

Gombau also shed light on the young players, who can go on to do well for the club in the upcoming season.

He further added, “We have young players who are good, we are working with them, finding their best traits. We have young players like Shubham, Narender [Gehlot], Isaak [Chaakchuak], Thoiba Singh, and a lot more. We have a lot of players coming from the reserve team but by doing the training sessions in the right manner during the season, they can jump into the first-team. I like to play with young players, so, if they have the potential, they are ready to play in the playing XI.”

Odisha FC gaffer added that they want to be competitive in all the tournaments they play and deliver their best.

He concluded, “First of all, we have to be competitive in all the competitions that we are a part of: Durand Cup, Indian Super League, Super Cup and try to win as many trophies as possible. We have to be strong, get good results, and at least reach the semi-finals of the ISL. Secondly, I left Odisha in February 2020 and after returning this year, there are big differences. There are world class facilities, the pitch cover is more now.  Everything is maintained in a good condition. We are now ready to come back and bring football back to Odisha and I want to congratulate everyone who made this possible.”