Have to do the same against Mumbai as ATKMB, says Owen Coyle

Published at :December 13, 2020 at 11:09 PM

Modified at :December 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM

(Courtesy : JFC Media)

The Jamshedpur FC boss also revealed that he is not focusing much on the Islanders as he has to prepare his own team.

The GMC Stadium at Bambolim, Goa will play host to yet another Indian Super League (ISL) game on Monday, as Mumbai City FC take on Jamshedpur FC. Both teams are undefeated in their last four matches, having started off their respective campaigns with a defeat. While the Islanders are at the top of the table with 12 points, the Men of Steel are in seventh place with six points.

On Sunday, Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle spoke to the media regarding their upcoming match.

Thoughts on the Mumbai City game

Owen Coyle asserted that he’s looking forward to their upcoming match against the Islanders. “A fantastic game to look forward to. Mumbai City FC have fantastic players and a terrific coach. They have brought in very good players. Fair play to them because it enhances the league. They have also done very well in the season so far and are at the top of the table,” he said.

He also recollected that his team faced a similar situation while taking ATK Mohun Bagan last week because they were also on an unbeaten streak. “Basically, while playing against them (Mumbai City), we’ll have to do the same thing that we did against ATK Mohun Bagan, who were also on an undefeated streak and yet to concede goals.

“We have to give that level of performance – but again, those are the things that I look forward to. As a coach, I always like to play my players against the best teams and the best players,” the 54-year-old added.

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On the hectic schedule and last week’s draw against SC East Bengal

“We’ve trained as much as we could – our schedule has been hectic and we have played matches once every three days. Recovery was key after our most recent game on Thursday. We’ve had a slightly longer break since that match and we’ve also resumed training,” the tactician said, before adding: “Now, we are undefeated in our last four matches, so we’re looking to maintain that streak.

“We are in good form even with the players that we have now. As you know, there are a number of injuries in our squad and once they’re all back, we will be an even stronger team.”

On Laldinliana Renthlei’s suspension

Jamshedpur FC star Laldinliana Renthlei was sent off in the match against East Bengal on December 10. As a result, the player will remain suspended for the game against Mumbai City.

When asked about it, Owen Coyle said, “Well, Dinliana is a wonderful player. As you know, he’s been suspended. Just like in the case of injuries, we will have to make adjustments and look at the available options. We have players who are ready to step up in his absence and that’s what we will do.”

“Mumbai City have brilliant players. Infact, they have excellent players in every position as they have invested heavily in the squad this season. But, we are also good enough, and I know that we can stand toe-to-toe with the best teams. That’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

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Thoughts on Sergio Lobera and his playing style

Both Sergio Lobera and Owen Coyle are no strangers to each other, having managed other ISL clubs previously in FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC respectively. “I have faced Sergio Lobera’s teams previously and apart from being a terrific football coach, he is also a very nice man,” the Jamshedpur FC boss said. At the same time, he also made it clear that his focus is solely on his own team.

“I don’t want to focus too much on him or Mumbai City for the time being because we have to pay attention to what we do at Jamshedpur FC. We can be respectful to Mumbai City, but we also need to bring our A-game against them and that should be given more attention,” he explained.

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Team News

Finally, Owen Coyle concluded the interaction by speaking about his team’s unavailable players and his choices for the matchday squad. “As you know, players like Joyner (Lourenco) and Narender (Gahlot) are still unavailable.”

“Still, our players have done so well and I keep telling them that the longer we stay together, the stronger we will become. We are still training and working with each one of them, so you’ll see tomorrow as to who all will play,” he signed off.

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