Odisha FC started the season on a bad note with two back-to-back defeats. Also, this is the first time that a Sergio Lobera side losing two consecutive matches in the beginning of the season. Considering the team sheet, the OFC fans expected a far better start from their team, however, they were left disappointed and there are many reasons behind it. Among all, the major one is how they are heavily depended on foreign stars who have already passed their prime like Mourtada Fall, Ahmed Jahouh, and Roy Krishna. In fact, all the foreigners of the OFC squad are in their mid-thirties and their performances are on the decline except for Hugo Boumous.
Aging Foreigners
Mourtada Fall who used to be rock solid in defense is now struggling with fast counter attacks and quick wingers. His age is showing its effect and it’s impossible for him to perform at the same level as before. Ahmed Jahouh, who was once a dominating force in midfield can’t dictate games like he used to. Roy Krishna, who was once one of the best strikers in the league, is a shadow of his past. These veterans aren’t performing like they were in their past.
Fitness Concerns
Fitness has been a big concern for the team. Many players look unfit and it reflects on their performance. Jerry Lalrinzuala, for example, has had a terrible season with poor tackles and misjudged positioning in every match. The same fitness concerns were there last season as well but nothing seems to have changed since then. Despite participating in pre-season tournaments like Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy, the team is still lacking in terms of fitness.
Left-Back Woes
Another puzzling decision was letting go of Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, a player who played as a left back and was quite solid in that position. Ever since his departure, the team struggled to fill that void. The form of first-choice left-back Jerry Lalrinzuala looked shaky and having someone like Vignesh would have helped to solve that problem. May be the think-tank is regretting the decision which also left many fans confused.
Lobera’s Old Setup
Coach Sergio Lobera has stuck to players he knows and with whom he has tasted success. But here’s the thing: the game has changed. Players like Fall, Jahouh or Krishna are no more of the quality needed in terms of either pace or skill as their younger Indian counterparts, let alone their foreign compatriots. What Lobera planned for and which worked earlier, isn’t going to work now and he needs to seriously do something about it soon.
Time for a Change
If Odisha FC wants to compete for the title, they need fresh legs. This league is evolving and building a team with aging stars as the foundation is not going to be sustainable. Lobera needs to really think about it and make the changes soon before we run out of time.
Odisha fans have been left disappointed, but there’s still enough leeway to turn things around for the better, provided the right tweaks are done along the way.
