Owen Coyle: We've shown that we can stand toe-to-toe with top teams

The Scotsman spoke after his side's draw against Mumbai City FC.

Jamshedpur FC held on to another stalemate, as they drew 1-1 against table-toppers Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League. The Men of Steel were a man down for the majority of the game after Aitor Monroy was sent out in the first half.  However, Owen Coyle and Co. managed to salvage a point from the fixture with their resolute defending and the Scotsman was proud of the performance that his boys put in. 

Reflections on the match

"I think it is a point earned. We scored a fantastic goal to take the lead and I think the equaliser could have been defended better. But, that said, when you go down to 10 men for the period we did, defend as valiantly as we did and also be dangerous on the counter-attack with a couple of good shots, I was actually delighted with how the players went about it. It is our sixth game in 19 days and credit to the players. I’m absolutely delighted with the point,” he began.

"I think we were outstanding in terms of spirit. Had we been 11 Vs 11, I felt that we could have won the game and that's why we came in with a gameplan. They are a wonderful team and are top of the table for a reason. What we have shown is that we can stand toe-to-toe with the top teams. With the victory over ATK Mohun Bagan and then coming here and playing with 10 men, we have shown we can be a good team. It is five games unbeaten, albeit draws, but we are in the right direction," said Owen Coyle at the post-match press conference. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj45q7BNrZ4

Nerijus Valskis’ threat

Nerijus Valskis scored yet again and now the Lithuanian is level with Igor Angulo at six goals each. Speaking about his threat on the night, Owen Coyle felt that the talisman could have had more supply. He said, "Valskis is a wonderful player and that is why I brought him to the club. He is always a threat and I think we could have supplied more chances to him. But, what you do know is if Valskis gets a half chance he can put it in the back of the net. So, delighted with the players, Valskis scored another goal and long may that continue."

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Coping with red card and injuries

Aitor Monroy was given his marching orders in the first half, after he recklessly lunged in to bring Rowllin Borges down. Coyle, who was obviously gutted with the red card, highlighted how he missed Laldinliana Renthlei tonight and how injuries have been a major factor for his team this season. 

"We were disappointed to lose Dinliana tonight and move into the NorthEast game without Aitor, which is our seventh game in 23 days. Nobody in the league has had a schedule like that, that's why it has been a credit to the players given that we have some long-term injuries in Narender (Gahlot), (David) Grande, Joyner (Lourenco) and (Nicholas) Fitzgerald. We are missing a lot of quality players. So, once they come back, we are going to be strong as a group,” asserted Owen Coyle.

On TP Rehenesh's performance

The coach went on to praise the Men of Steel’s crucial player on the night, goalkeeper TP Rehenesh. "I spoke to him at length before bringing him to the club. I wanted him to have a clear mind and wanted him to know what my understanding of the goalkeeper position was. He has responded to that and has worked really hard in training with Pawan (Kumar) pushing him always.”

“We also have two young goalkeepers in Niraj (Kumar) and Vishal (Yadav). They are a very good working group and Ezequiel (goalkeeping coach) has been working very hard with them. Once you have delivered some good performances you have to set your standards and keep delivering. So, Rehenesh needs to keep his focus and perform like he did tonight,” added Owen Coyle.

Related: Adamant Jamshedpur FC frustrate leaders Mumbai City FC

Related: Sergio Lobera: Injuries not the reason to lose two points against JFC

Peter Hartley-Stephen Eze partnership

The 54-year-old showered praise on both of his foreign defenders and feels that with every passing game, they will get better. He added, "I think they are getting better, Stephen (Eze) is still a young man. 15 caps for Nigeria, you don't get them by accident. While Peter Hartley is a warrior. He has played at a high level and is a leader of men. He showed that tonight. I think the more they play together, the better they will become and that will help us going forward. 

Lastly, Owen Coyle revealed how it has been tough for him to not rest players, mainly due to the injuries and the tough schedule that they have had.

"Hopefully, we get the players fully fit, the ones that are missing. Then we can go up in positions. I have not been able to give any rest – Valskis has played every minute and it is because of the injury situation at the club. But, once we get those boys back, it will open up opportunities, people will get a lot of rest and be fresh for the matches."

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