"It is the duty of the coach to provide the tools to the team for it to perform at the best level possible." - Sergio Lobera
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Upon being asked how the coach felt about the 2-0 scoreline in both games when he has explicitly said that he wants his team to score more goals, he responded by saying that he is happy with the result and the dominating performance in the second half. While many chances were created to score more goals, it is imperative that the players become clinical in these situations to improve the goal difference that might matter in the league table standings.
In the first half, the team didn’t get enough spaces to operate and score goals. Sergio said that the half time dressing room talk made the difference. Based on the previous game against Mumbai City FC, he knew that Chennaiyin FC wouldn't be an easy team to play against and they wouldn’t give Bagan that many opportunities in the match. In the 2nd half, the rhythm increased dramatically. The ball moved faster and the players played with passion to find the spaces to take the runs and do much more. Coach is happy with the 2nd half performance compared to the 1st half with the continuous effort that the team showed on the field, to score more goals. He thinks the team has improved, but more things still remain which needs improving.
About his Indian midfielders, Anirudh Thapa and Apuia, Lobera was full of appreciation, claiming that the only thing they can improve upon is positioning and that they are better than many foreign players in the league. They are one of many Indian players in the Mariner squad who can help Indian football grow.
Lobera said that the most important thing is the collective performance of the team. In case of Dimitrios, the coach said that the team can shine if Dimi performs well and his efforts works well with his gameplan. As the coach, it is his duty to provide the tools to the team to perform in its best level possible. All that matters is the collective effect of that player playing in the match.
Although Mohun Bagan will be playing against an all-Indian side of Mohammedan SC on 28th Feb, the coach wants to prioritize winning by fielding the best playing XI that helps the team win on that day and does not believe in rotating the players in this undersized competition.
When Dimitri was asked about his goal that he scored under Coach Molina last year on the same day that secured the shield for the Mariners and in comparison, to scoring today, he said that he is happy that he scored and the team played better football today by sticking to the gameplan. The goal and celebration, the passion he shows on the field, its all for the fans whose love is bestowed upon him.
Dimi believes that life is full of ups and down. Everything is for a reason and one should never give up. One needs to keep going. In football and life, it is the same. When things are good, enjoy the process. When things are difficult, believe in the old adage “This too shall pass.” Keep moving forward and in the end, give your best. That’s all that matters.
When Dimitri was asked what led to him getting more chances this year compared to last year, he said the coach is different. He kept working hard and waited for the opportunity to perform and finally, he is getting the chance to do it.
When asked about Chennaiyin FC, Dimi said that they played well in the first half. Bagan, however, kept on fighting and got the first lead in the added minutes. After analysis, the coach gave some advice and suggestions in the half time dressing room which helped the team play better in the 2nd half and score the 2nd goal. Chennaiyin FC players did well to punish the mistakes made by the home side but Bagan gave more effort and played better at the end of the day which is reflected in the final scoreline.
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