After two wins and two draws in their opening four games, Jamshedpur FC fell to Mumbai City FC by a 4-2 score in their last game. Owen Coyle’s men attempted a late comeback but were beaten by a tough Islanders team. Following the defeat, the Red Miners will meet Odisha FC tomorrow.
Here’s what coach Owen Coyle had to say in the pre-match press conference.
Recovering from the loss against Mumbai
“The game against Odisha is going to be a tough one. They are a very good side and have made some good signings and are in good form as well. We have to be in our best form. We saw how good a team we could be but we have to address the individual mistakes that we have made. Then we can go and win games.”
On the individual errors against Mumbai
“In any game, you are going to have individual mistakes but we cannot repeat those because sometimes there is no recovery from those mistakes. Mumbai was clinical and they punished us but sometimes you can get away. We created many chances and that is what we have to do. We need to score goals and win games and that is what is needed against a side like Odisha.”
Update on Hartley and other injuries
“Peter had a strain and he had to come off. He is receiving treatment and we have to wait till the last minute to confirm his availability for the game. If he is not available, then we will make a decision because there is good competition in the squad for places. Hopefully, he returns back soon because he is very important to what we do.”
“Len has managed to be fit and I hope he is available. Jordan is training and he can gradually start games and get more minutes. They are very important players who are always ready to give their best for the club.”
Approach against Odisha
“Jamshedpur always plays to win but we will be respectful of whom we face. We recognize the quality but we do not change, with all due respect. We play with high intensity and that is what brings results. We need to be at our very best in order to win against a strong Odisha.”
On Ishan Pandita
“Ishan is a young player and he is getting better. He got his first start and he is working very hard. He could have scored a goal last day from the rebound but Eli got a touch. There is no doubt that Ishan is a good player and he is very composed and we all know that he can score goals. He is a player of the right type, he is a team player and it is fantastic to have him in the group.”
On conceding goals
“We have faced some good teams and we tried to achieve clean sheets but it has not happened till now. There should have been one against Bagan as they scored a goal which was offside. We need to concentrate and if we can get clean sheets then it can provide us with a massive platform to win games. But I think it is about getting the balance together and if we can achieve the balance then we can win many more games.”
Jamshedpur FC will face Odisha FC tomorrow at the Tilak Maidan Stadium.
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