Panaji: However, the Spaniard felt that the 12-day break has affected his team’s momentum as it prepares to take on Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) at the GMC Stadium here in the first match of 2021. “A two-week break is a long time without competitive games. When you have momentum, it is not good to stop. It is better to continue playing. But on the other hand, it is good to have more time to spend in the training sessions,” expressed Lobera.

Mumbai City is second with 16 points from seven games and a win against Kerala will help it reclaim the top spot from ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB), which has 17 points. “It is difficult but at the same time it is easy because we have good players,” stated Lobera in the pre-match presser. “Given a choice, I wouldn’t prefer to take a long break and then play two games in three days.”

Lobera is unbeaten against KBFC in the last six encounters, having won five and drew one. But, that was a different story. On Saturday, it would be a battle of two teams having similar ideologies. “It is going to be difficult as Kerala Blasters has a very good team and a great coach. It tries to play in a similar style to that of us,” said Lobera.

The Spanish coach revealed that Hugo Boumous is fit and added that there are no injury concerns. Meanwhile, KBFC has improved in its last three games, having scored five goals. And, head coach Kibu Vicuna will look to break the club’s jinx against Lobera.