ISL: Odisha FC coach Josep Gombau confident ahead of stern Mumbai test

Odisha FC prepare to take on Mumbai City FC in their third consecutive away fixture in a row. The relative newcomers are currently second-bottom in the league, having failed to secure a win in their opening fixtures in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season. Losses against Jamshedpur FC and Asamoah Gyan's NorthEast United FC have condemned Josep Gombau's men to the ninth spot. Odisha FC sit above fellow newcomers Hyderabad FC on goal difference. 

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However, prior to their matchup against The Islanders, Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau stated that he was undeterred by Odisha FC's losses so far. Speaking before the game in a pre-match press conference, Gombau stated that he was happy with how his squad has performed so far, despite seeing his side register consecutive losses in the ISL this season. The former Barcelona youth coach went on to say that Odisha's previous game against NorthEast United was their more productive showing of the two, having dominated the game for most parts. 

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On being asked whether playing three away matches in a row was a disadvantage to his side, the Spaniard stated that travelling on the road was difficult for his side. However, they will not be using away games as an excuse for their showings. Odisha FC have been on the receiving end of narrow 2-1 defeats in both their games so far. On the eve of their game against Mumbai City FC, the Spaniard was asked for his thoughts on his opponents for the day. 

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ISL: Gombau's take on opponents

Gombau stated that Mumbai City FC have a very good squad this season. He also stated that their coach Jorge Costa will bring bags of experience with him, as he has a UEFA Champions League trophy to boast of during his playing career. Gombau, who naturally prefers a possession-based style of football owing to his FC Barcelona roots, will be up against Jorge Costa's counter-attacking style of football. He will, however, be buoyed by the recent form of Xisco Hernandez, Jerry Mawhmingthanga and Diawandou Diagne. 

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