Irfan Yadwad sat down for an exclusive conversation with IFTWC after scoring a goal and delivering two assists against Jamshedpur FC and making his National Team debut against Malaysia under Manolo Marquez. He covered a number of topics in the interview, including why he chose Chennaiyin FC over other teams.
“My mom was waiting to see me in the national team”, Irfan Yadwad on playing for the National team
All football players throughout the world consider it an honor and a desire to represent their country, and Irfan Yadwad recently cherished that ambition by making his debut against Malaysia in Hyderabad. For Irfan, it will be even more memorable because he went from playing in India’s third tier to playing for the national team in a matter of two years. He talked about how happy and pleased he and his family were to represent the country when asked about the experience.
“It’s been a great feeling for me. It was the first time because for me and for my family it was special. My mom was waiting to see me in the national team. I told her one day I will play. So, she was very happy for the first time I was there.”
“I heard about Owen Coyle”, Irfan Yadwad on why he chose to join Chennaiyin FC
Irfan Yadwad signed with Chennaiyin FC ahead of the 2023/24 ISL season. Irfan was a bright prospect right then, and many clubs were interested in signing him by the time he made the transfer. According to reports, he was also of interest to Kerala Blasters FC, their southern rivals. Irfan, however, decided to sign a multi-year contract with Chennaiyin FC. He stressed the Owen Coyle factor when asked why he joined the Marina Machans.
“I heard about Owen Coyle. I know he was a good coach. He gave all youngsters a good chance and more playing time. That’s why I chose Chennaiyin FC.”
While players transitioning from I-League to ISL struggle to adjust to the league’s high standards, Irfan moved from I-League 2 to the Indian Super League. Irfan Yadwad made an enormous leap into the ISL by avoiding the second tier by winning the Golden Boot in the I-League 2 and Stafford Challenge Cup with Bengaluru United FC. When asked if he had any trouble adapting, he clarified that he did have some challenges initially last season.
“Yeah, in the starting I felt very pressured because from low division to direct ISL (Indian Super League) was very difficult. After getting playing time, I was able to play as a professional.”
“He speaks to me individually every session”, Irfan Yadwad on Raman Vijayan
When Irfan scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time against Mohun Bagan SG last season, Raman Vijayan, the former assistant coach of Chennaiyin FC, appeared pleased and gratified. Vijayan, a former striker, would have helped Irfan develop and shape his game. In response to a question regarding the influence of the local coach, Irfan mentioned how Raman spoke to him on a regular basis to make sure he was developing.
“He also speaks to me individually every session, every day. He always tells me, you don’t need to do extra things. What’s your strength? Do your things. It will come. Ultimately your goals will come.”
Owen Coyle, a former striker himself, has scored almost 250 goals throughout his career in the Scottish leagues. In addition, Owen Coyle has helped many Indian attacking players improve while he has been at the ISL. Someone like Owen Coyle would make an excellent coach for a young, up-and-coming striker like Irfan, helping him develop his abilities. Irfan responded that Owen Coyle gives him a lot of trust and supports him on a daily basis when asked how much Coyle helps him improve his game.
“He was a striker also. He tells me every session, you need to improve every day, day by day. He always tells me, to be in that position. You don’t need to run everywhere. As a striker, you need to be in that position. That’s why it will help you in every match.”
“It doesn’t matter to me if you score or not”, Irfan on Coyle’s support during the goalless start to the season
This season, initially, Irfan was getting into strong goal-scoring situations but couldn’t find the back of the net, which frustrated many supporters. Everyone assumed Irfan would be benched when Owen Coyle said there would be several changes in the upcoming match against Jamshedpur following the defeat to Punjab FC. But Coyle persisted with the young striker and started him, resulting in Irfan scoring a goal and providing two assists against the Red Miners. Irfan talked about how Owen Coyle believed in him throughout that difficult period.
“He knows my feelings because he trusts me every time. He was always telling me, you are getting in every position. It doesn’t matter to me if you score or not. One day you will score and hopefully, I will score more goals for the team.”
Chennaiyin FC’s upcoming game will be against their arch-rivals Kerala Blasters FC in front of a packed stadium in Kaloor. Derbies are always special for the fans as a derby win would give them a delight like nothing. But at the same time, the players must be mentally prepared to handle the pressure of the big game. When questioned about the team’s preparations and the thoughts ahead of the game, Irfan insisted the team is working hard to gain three points.
“It’s been a great match because of the huge fans. And for us, we have been doing good in the last couple of games. And this is a big game for us. So we will try to get the 3 points.”
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