Chose Jamshedpur FC because they give chance to young players, reveals Mohammed Sanan | Exclusive Interview

Sanan also went all praise for coach Scott Cooper, saying that the coach gives full freedom.

In an exclusive interview with Khel Now, Jamshedpur FC forward Mohammed K Sanan, a Kerala native signed by the club in the current Indian Super League (ISL) season, shed light on the team’s challenging journey. With Jamshedpur FC languishing at the bottom of the table, having amassed just six points from nine games, the season has been far from ideal for the club. 

Sanan expressed his thoughts on the team’s current form and the hurdles they face in the league. Beyond football, the interview delved into his personal life, offering fans a glimpse into the experiences and perspectives of the player. As Jamshedpur strives to improve its standing in the ISL, Sanan’s insights provide a valuable perspective on the team’s journey and his role within it.

Journey from RFYC to Red Miners

Before embarking on the journey with The Red Miners, Sanan was part of the Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) squad. He delves deeper into how the transition from RFYC to Jamshedpur has been for him. The winger highlighted, 

“I was playing since I was eleven in Reliance. They have helped me a lot to grow as a person and as a footballer. With Reliance I have been to various countries to play some friendly matches and it has helped me a lot to improve as a player.”

Singing for Jamshedpur FC

When asked about his and his loved ones’ reactions upon learning of Jamshedpur’s signing and his representation in the ISL, Sanan shared his sentiments. The number 15 said, “ I was so happy when I got the offer from Jamshedpur. My family too is very supportive and it’s a proud feeling for them that their son or child is playing in the ISL. My previous academies, players, staff, all were happy when I scored the first goal. I got so many texts.”

He also explained his reason for choosing Jamshedpur. “I chose Jamshedpur, because it is a club that gives (chance) to young players and also the new coach is known for creating young players. It is helping me a lot, as you can see I scored a goal because the coach gave me a chance.”

Under coach Scott Cooper

Sanan feels that Scott Cooper has played a pivotal role in his growth as a player, acknowledging the significant impact the coach has had on him.

He said, “Scott coach is a very nice guy. As a person and also as a coach. He encourages all the players and not only me. Especially as a winger, a player needs freedom and he gives all the freedom to a winger to do whatever, like creativity. He doesn’t put much instruction on wingers. He wants us to play free and also play as a team. He doesn’t put any pressure on young players, so it’s very easy to play under him. He gets the best out of each player.”

Helping the Team

Mohammed Sanan, a versatile forward with commendable proficiency in using both feet, recognizes the potential impact of his skills on the team. When questioned about how his abilities can contribute to the team’s success, the player responded, “As a team we like to keep the ball more and create more chances, through the wings and also from the middle.”

“I am a very creative player and I can create chances for the team. I have speed, so that I can help the team by taking on opponents, overlapping, and creating opportunities to score goals. I am good at one-on-one. So, I can help the team like that”, the youngster added.

Comeback Incoming?

Jamshedpur FC currently sits in the tenth position on the ISL league table, having faced five defeats and without a league victory for two months. Despite this challenging period, Sanan remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, emphasising their potential for a strong comeback. He highlighted, 

“We created the most chances in the competition. So, we just need to finish the chances we get and I don’t think we need to change a lot. We just need to get back scoring goals, that’s it. We are going to come back.”

Piece of advice

Jamshedpur boasts a balanced roster, featuring a blend of both young and experienced players. Sanan underscored the significance of this mix, emphasising how the seasoned players within the team contribute to his personal growth. The forward acknowledged the mentorship and guidance he received from the more experienced members.

“We are together always and I always learn and take advice from my right backs and centre backs. Sometimes, when my dribble is not good, I’ll ask him what I should do better. Pratik Bhai said that you must always go for it and not be afraid of any opponents.”

Indian National Team

Sanan expressed his dream of being a part of the Indian football team, recognizing the remarkable successes achieved under head coach Igor Stimac in various competitions, including the Tri Nations, SAFF, and Intercontinental Championship. The player conveyed.,

“I am really proud to be an Indian, because we are doing really well. To get a call up for the national team is my dream. It’s everyone’s dream. Right now I am focused on the U-23, because it’s step by step. So, right now if I do well in this season, I can get a call up for the U-23. Our national team is doing really well and I am happy for them.”

Hailing from Kerala

Born in Kerala, a renowned football hub in India, Sanan was asked to describe the football culture in the state. Emphasising the passion that permeates through Kerala, he highlighted, 

“Whenever I go to Kerala, the people there are so into football. You see every kid is on the football ground. You don’t see them playing on their phone or anything. I was that kind of guy too. Whenever I got time, any PE period in school or something, we just go for football. It’s in everyone’s blood.”

“I come from a place where there are a lot of good players. It’s called Malippuram. So for Kerala people football is in their daily routine. Even the old people play football there. Example: my grandpa.”

Messi or Ronaldo?

The age-old debate in football circles centres around Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both icons of the sport. When asked who Sanan idolises, he replied, “I like Ronaldo more. I like his mindset, to come back. That’s the thing every young player should look at and also Messi is a fantastic player. But, I like Ronaldo more.”

He also shared his insights on who he thinks will take on the podium after Messi and Ronaldo, to which he said, “Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.”

Message for the Future Generation

Sanan passed on a message to the kids aged 11 or 12 and said, “Just follow your passion and enjoy playing football. Don’t think about what’s next. Just focus on today. It’s all process, step by step process, so just enjoy playing football and give your all.”

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