Antonio Iriondo: Gourav Mukhi was training with us and he was good

The Jamshedpur FC boss also spoke regarding new players in his squad like David Grande.

Ahead of the big Indian Super League clash against Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC, head coach Antonio Iriondo shared his opinions on the game at the pre-match press conference. 

Jamshedur FC started strongly this season, but yet again, they have faltered on their way. A string of disappointing results and untimely injuries have hindered their approach in the league. Antonio Iriondo started by explaining how his team are suffering from Sergio Castel's absence, "In a match, you have to create chances and score when the chances come your way. Since Castel is not here, though we are creating chances, we have not been able to score goals."

The Men of Steel are winless in their last five matches and when asked about the disappointing results from the past, Antonio Iriondo highlighted how he is concerned about improving his team for future matches. 

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"We are not concentrating on that now, as we are playing against Bengaluru and we have tough games coming up. We will try to improve from the last few games, we have been struggling in front of goal, especially with Sergio's injury, but we have to find a way to compensate for that," he quipped. 

When quizzed about whether the pressure on senior players to perform regularly and them not getting the desired results on the table is taking a toll on his team the Spaniard stated," I think it is not about the pressure. It is only about three points. We need to be confident, as we came here only for three points and to give our best. I think to play football is not a pressure, we need to play our game and not think too much about it."

On David Grande & Gourav Mukhi

Antonio Iriondo also shared his views regarding recruiting new players in attack like David Grande and the return of Gourav Mukhi. 

"We are looking for players who can score more goals. Therefore, we brought in David Grande. Also, Mukhi was training with us and he was good, so we are looking at different options," he continued. 

On Bengaluru FC

Antinio Iriondo also spoke regarding how important this match is going to be for his team and also shared his thoughts about reigning champions Bengaluru. 

"They are a great team with very good players. They have experience and also have a good style of football. They are good for the league. But, I think we know our game and we need to attack them. I think it is a good moment for us to change the dynamics and we need to be at our best to take back three points home," he concluded.

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Team News

Jamshedpur FC have many crucial players unavailable, such as Castel, Piti and Noe Acosta - who are all doubtful for the fixture against Bengaluru. However, with Mukhi's inclusion into the senior team, the Men of Steel will have more variety in attack. 

New Spanish forward David Grande is also available for selection. 

Head-to-Head

Both sides have faced each other five times in the Indian Super League and the visitors hold a slight advantage over the champions, with two wins to Bengaluru's solitary success. The other two fixtures have ended in draws. 

Last time both sides met this season it ended in a 0-0 draw at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur. 

Probable Lineup

Subrata; Gurung, Memo, Tiri, Gahlot; Rahman, Monroy, Isaac; Farukh, Grande, Vineeth. 

Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD from 7:30 PM IST on Thursday. The game will also be streamed live on Hotstar and Jio TV.