The team will face NorthEast United in its inaugural Durand Cup game on August 17.
The most successful manager in Odisha FC’s history, Josep Gombau, is once again facing the firing squad. The Catalan will be motivated to advance the Kalinga Warriors to their first-ever playoff position. Given the money paid to get several top-tier foreigners, they finished twelfth and seventh in the two seasons following his departure.
However, the Juggernauts have bolstered their roster with talented Indian players in preparation for ISL 2022/23. The calibre of the roster is raised by additions like Narender Gehlot, Raynier Fernandes, and Michael Soosairaj. The Durand Cup will serve as the club’s season opener. The team has already planned the first press conference of the year. Josep Gombau, Clifford Miranda, and Raj Athwal, the club president, all addressed the media at the same time.
Gombau rejoining the club
Prior to the club’s 2019–20 ISL season, Gombau was named as the team’s head coach. They finished sixth under his leadership after scoring 28 goals and giving up 31. It is their highest placing in their three-year history. Odisha FC put him back on the spot earlier this month.
Upon his arrival back, the head coach said, “I’m very glad to be here again. I’m really appreciative that the club’s management has given me the chance to lead Odisha FC as their head coach. After spending the last two seasons in the Indian Super League, we are at last back at Odisha FC. I saw a great deal of changes, and the amenities are significantly improved. We can see that the club’s recruiters did a fantastic job. The goal is to build a powerful team and inspire pride in the Odisha supporters.
Raj Athwal on the appointment of Gombau as head coach
For clubs in the UK, Raj Athwal has years of expertise leading the commercial department. He was essential in securing Gombau’s rehiring as head coach ahead of a demanding season. The appointment of Josep was practically a no-brainer, the President said. He had previously worked here and had great success as a manager. His qualities, the skill set he provides, his expertise, and experience all perfectly fit where we are as a football club right now. Josep was the best choice for the leadership team, management, and ownership.
Josep Gombau on the potential of the team’s youthful players
Odisha FC has a lot of talented young players. Despite having them in their possession, they cannot get them to shoot reliably. The heroics of Javi Hernandez and Jonathas de Jesus helped the Juggernauts escape difficult circumstances the previous season. Gombau will be responsible for encouraging the young people to assume more responsibility in their assigned roles.
Shubham (Sarangi), Narender (Gahlot), Thoiba (Moirangthem), and Isak are just a few of our talented young players (Vanlalruatfela). These athletes are quite young. Many players are coming from the reserve squad and they will undoubtedly be able to make the transition to the main team this year, he joked.
Ideas regarding the Durand Cup
All eleven ISL teams will participate in this year’s Durand Cup. The tournament’s 131st season will begin on August 16. NorthEast United, Kerala Blasters, Sudeva Delhi FC, and Army Green FT have been placed in the same division as Odisha FC.
Gombau declared, “For us, it’s a significant competition. The fact that it is the second-oldest event in the globe is significant to our club. We are thus pleased to compete in the Durand Cup. With the exception of a few who are arriving this week, all the players are present. We will make an effort to win the Durand Cup because we take it seriously.
Clifford Miranda on promoting homegrown talent
Clifford Miranda is a well-known name in Indian football and has 45 caps for India. Between 2018 and 2022, he worked with FC Goa in a variety of capacities, including assistant coach and coach of the reserves. Over the past few years, Goa has produced a large number of local talents. Miranda discussed the essential elements for showcasing local talent.
“In my opinion, the most important thing is the culture of football. If the state wants to develop players, you need to develop the culture. It’s important that we get our kids to play football. Not just the parents, the community, the press, and the state government – everyone must get involved to instil this culture,” opined the assistant coach.
“When I see kids here moving around, the structure is fantastic. We need to give them a platform right from the grassroots level where they can develop as football players.”, he added.
Prasanta Patnaik