ISL 20-21: Can new signings propel Odisha FC to playoffs?

Indian Super League (ISL) side Odisha FC will take the field in India’s top-flight for the second time since their debut in 2019. The juggernauts are a replacement for Delhi Dynamos FC.

The magnitude of competition would rise in ISL 2020-21 season with the threshold of some strong teams such as Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in the league.

Read More: Full list of confirmed fixtures for ISL 20-21

Following its re-branding from Delhi Dynamos last season, Spanish manager Josep Gombau continued as coach for Odisha but the team finished sixth to everyone’s disappointment.

They won seven of their 18 games, lost 7 and drew four, taking a total of 25 points. The team finished sixth, above Kerala Blasters FC, Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC and Hyderabad FC in the points table.

Odisha parted ways with Gombau in March this year, following which, the franchise employed Scotland’s Stuart Baxter for the job and the owners as well as the fans would be looking for big things this season.

Under the new coach, Odisha would target for a better finish. They will start their campaign against Hyderabad FC on November 21.

Odisha FC have been vibrant in the transfer market, signing former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor, who has been appointed as captain of the club and his vast experience in the Premier League will be vital for Odisha’s hunt for a top four finish.

They have also signed former Hyderabad FC forward Marcelinho, who scored 7 goals and registered two assists last season. Other notable additions include right back Jacob Tratt from Australian club Perth Glory and 29-year-old centre forward Diego Mauricio from Brazil’s second division.

Significant to Odisha’s performance last season were two youngsters, 23-year-old winger Jerry Mawihmingthanga and 20-year-old defender Shubham Sarangi.

Jerry registered five assists and two goals last season and he would be expecting to add to that tally by enhancing his finishes in the upcoming campaign. 

Also important were goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh, who made 29 saves for his team and Manuel Onwu, who scored 7 goals in 10 matches.

However, the team has several young players in its roster and their inexperience could cost the Bhubaneswar-based outfit.

The entry of a new coach and his strategies could go askew if the players fail to be in sync. The team has to focus more on its defence, for it conceded 31 goals in the previous campaign.

Moreover, players will be staying in the bio-secure bubble in Goa, where the entire tournament will take place, which will present its own challenges and keeping the squad motivated through difficult times can get tricky.

Odisha FC Squad

Goalkeepers: Arshdeep Singh, Ankit Bhuyan, Kamaljit Singh, Ravi Kumar.

Defenders: Steven Taylor (C), Shubham Sarangi, Gaurav Bora, George D’Souza, Hendry Antonay, Jacob, Kamalpreet Singh, Mohd Sajit Dhod, Saurabh Meher.

Midfielders: Baorindao Bodo, Cole Alexander, Isak Vanlalrautfela, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, S Lalhrezuala, Nandakumar Sekar, Paul Paul Ramfangzauva, Samuel Lalmuanpuia, Thoiba Singh, Vinit Rai.

Forwards: Daniel Lalhimpuia, Diego Mauricia, Laishram Singh, Manel Onwu, Marcelinho.