Ishan Pandita will score more goals, says Jamshedpur FC coach Aidy Boothroyd

The tactician also spoke about the team's change in approach after a seven-game losing run.

Jamshedpur FC looked a completely new side against FC Goa keeping the promises of head coach Aidy Boothroyd prior to the match. The coach is still looking to get into the top six and hence this was a make-or-break game for the hosts. And if not with the result, the fans will be pleased to finally see an attacking brand of football from the English coach and positive intent from the players. 

The Jamshedpur FC vs FC Goa match ended with a 2-2 scoreline. The collective performance by the Men of Steel was equalled by the Spanish stalwart Guarrotxena’s brilliance. The Goa attacker scored twice in each half with the second goal coming in the last minute of regulation time to win a point. Jamshedpur FC coach Aidy Boothroyd addressed the media after the game. Here are the extracts of it.

Thoughts on the game

The coach started with his assessment of the game and the key takeaways. “It was a really good game for a neutral. From our point of view, in the first half, we played really well. We were by far the better side and outplayed a good team in FC Goa. We deserved the goal and tried to get the other one.”

“Towards the end of the game, I think we got tired. This is gonna happen when we have players like Dinpuia coming back and not getting matches, and Crivellaro not at the games. Now we are clearly focussing onwards and upwards,” he summarised.

Change in team’s approach

Last time these two sides met FC Goa comfortably came on top with a 3-0 scoreline. Coming to this game Aidy Boothroyd made quite some changes in the lineup and the formation as well as the ball progression while attacking. Addressing these highlights the tactician opened up.

“Tactically we tried to give them a different problem. Although they are a good team and very difficult to play against. In the last game, we were 0-2 down in the first 10 minutes. We made it our game plan to lead. We decided to be the team to be on the front foot and create the chances in the first fifteen minutes. In contrast to the last time we met, hopefully we are improving.”

Ishan Pandita’s performance

“Ishan doesn’t wanna be the super sub anymore,” asserted the coach before elaborating on Ishan Pandita’s performance. 

“He wants to be the player that starts and scores. And he is doing (that) now. I have given him the opportunity. He knows what he has to do for the team. He will score goals the more he plays. I am really pleased with Ishan and other younger players. Especially Vishal and Vikash have earned a great experience for themselves by being on the pitch and competing against the best players,” he completed.

Learnings from the game

The coach was asked to explain the cause that defied the team's win. Aidy Boothroyd went on to elaborate on the learnings he sought from the game and gave a clear picture of what happened at the end.

“I think it was because we were giving everything in the game to get an upper hand and to get the momentum. And it swung back the longer the game went because we were tired which is gonna happen when the players are coming back from injury. The players are really disappointed with the result looking over their performance.

"Two avoidable errors again cost us the game. We were in the right direction, playing well and outplaying opponents at times. Overall I am pleased with the individuals tonight.”