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After producing a goalless draw against Bengaluru FC in the previous fixture, Jamshedpur FC is now focused on the next game.
Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle talks about the existing squad injuries, team selection for the game and team’s approach moving forward in the season as Jamshedpur FC face Kerala Blasters FC in their upcoming game.
After a rough game against Bengaluru FC, what is the update of the injuries in the squad?
We obviously had injuries before the game. Pronay had missed out and Nerka Valskis felt a niggle in the warm up and had to be taken off the line-up to rest, Komal got injured in the game as did Len Doungel. So I think it’s fair to say we have four or five knocks and injury concerns ahead of the Kerala Blasters game. But we will give the lads time till the last minute, but I can confirm that a few will miss out. That’s why we have a squad, so that we have players that are ready and looking to get in and play their part, and that’s what we’ll look to do.
Will we see an all Indian defence and an attacking line-up full of foreigners?
There’s always a possibility. In complete fairness, Anas is training hard everyday and he had been out for a long period with that injury but he’s come back fully fit now. He also came on in the game against Mumbai City and did very well at the back. He’s a tremendous professional which gives us options in the squad. That being said, we know we have two wonderful center-backs, Eli Sabia and the skipper, Peter Hartley. So, we’re pleased with our foreign players as we are with our Indian lads, but of course, it always gives us alternative options moving ahead in the season.
Your thoughts on the performance of the team’s defensive line-up so far
It’s always nice when we get clean sheets. We feel that in a couple of games we could have had clean sheets but we gave away sloppy goals in some instances. But, obviously we have to have that focus, that concentration and step up the pitch even stronger since we were playing a wonderful team. The in-form Kerala Blasters are doing very well, particularly the offensive players like Pereyra Diaz, Vasquez, Luna, Sahal Samad who are all terrific players. So we’ve got to be wary of the threat they’ve got and give them the utmost respect as we always will do. It’s a game that we’re looking forward to and if we can keep it tight at the back and keep a clean sheet, then that certainly gives us a great platform to go and win a tough game.
What role will be assigned to Mobashir once he is fully fit to play?
There is competition for places in the team currently. With Alex Lima, Pronay Halder and now Mobashir, who is back in training, in the same position on the pitch. It is great that Mobashir is training at a good intensity but what Mobashir needs now is some minutes on the field. Even young Jitendra has really stepped up to show his consistency and has delivered performances that have been of a very high standard. He’s played through a few niggles and knocks which shows you the size of the heart and dedication he has for the team. I’ve been delighted with him and he’s got a great attitude as well. Jitendra and Mobashir are two tremendously talented boys who I enjoy working with and hopefully we still continue to improve them.
In your opinion, who are some of the dangerous players in the Tuskers’ squad?
I think they have wonderful foreigners. Alvaro Vasquez, who is a striker who has played at a very high level, Pereyra Diaz, also a very very good player. Adrian Luna who is very clever and they both have played at a very high level. Young Sahal Samad is also a really offensive player who is pleasing to watch, is quick, can score a goal and can also create chances to score a goal. They also have other wonderful players, Prashant, the winger who is a good substitution player and quick with the ball. So, they’ve got dangerous players which makes them a dangerous team. That’s the thing about football that it’s not about individuals in a team. Kerala Blasters work very hard as a team and they’ll be very dangerous opponents but it’s a game that we are definitely looking forward to. We’ll give them the utmost respect as we do to every team. They also know us well because we’ve played in the pre-season, so they know that Jamshedpur is a very good side as well. We may have one or two injuries, but we put a team on the field that’s going to go all out. We are ready to win the game and as I always say, if we are at our very best, then it’s a game that we can win.
How excited are you for the anticipated fixture against Kerala Blasters?
I am excited about every game but when you’re playing a very good team as Kerala Blasters then it’s obviously an exciting fixture to look forward to. They have an outstanding coach, somebody who is good with his footballing and coaching abilities. He’s a very nice person whom I like spending time with. I spoke to him in the pre-season. But he is well aware that for the duration of the match, we’ll be going all out to win and even they will, as it should be. So I think we’re in the makings of a very anticipated match with two really positive attack-minded teams going head-to-head. Both teams are pleasing to watch and as I said before it is going to be a tough game. But we certainly feel that if we are at our best, then it’s a game that we can surely win.
