Owen Coyle feels playoffs spot is still not secured for Jamshedpur

JFC are just one point behind table toppers Hyderabad with a game in hand.

Jamshedpur FC are on the verge of breaking into the playoffs for the first time following their win over Chennaiyin FC. Owen Coyle's men outclassed and outplayed the Marina Machans en route to a 4-1 victory. Greg Stewart and Co. killed the game in the first half itself with three goals and would’ve scored more on any other day.

The win helped Jamshedpur FC pip ATK Mohun Bagan to the second spot and they are now just a point shy of table-toppers Hyderabad FC, with a game in-hand. Here are the excerpts from the post-match press conference with the Jamshedpur FC boss.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG-YoXRzSCs

Are playoffs Secured?

Last year 31 points was the cut-off to enter in the top four. Keeping that in mind, the tactician shared his thoughts on the same.

“31 points is nice, but to attain a semi-final spot we have to attain a lot more points. I believe we need another five points at least, given how fantastic other teams are doing. But, above all this, we have to concentrate on what we can do, we have another tough game in five days. NorthEast United are going to make it tough. So, what we can do is focus on ourselves and pick up as many points and as early as we can.”

Youngsters' Performance

Once again Jamshedpur FC’s youngsters took charge and killed the game. Ritwik Das and Boris Singh have now scored two goals themselves, apart from creating for others from the flanks.

“I brought Ritwik to the club because I saw something in him. He was released by Kerala Blasters, as they thought he isn’t good enough, like most of my boys,” the coach started with. 

“Ritwik, Boris, Komal Thatal and even Farukh Choudhary coming from Mumbai last year, all boys have excelled. These boys have given their everything for Jamshedpur and that’s what we want. Seeing these Indian young kids developing and growing like this is fantastic to see for me,” he continued.

On benching players

Owen Coyle has to bench some quality and well-performing players like Alex Lima and Ishan Pandita every game to find the balance. 

“That is a very fair question and the answer is very tough. Alex Lima has been outstanding. Obviously, he is compromised because of four foreigners' rule.  But, the best thing about him is he is such a good professional and always wants better for the team. There is high chance he can start against NorthEast United.

Also, young Ishan is a wonderful striker, but we have very good strikers in (Daniel) Chima and Jordan Murray. He got a start against Mumbai, we brought him before 30 minutes to go and he is always a goal threat. So, it’s great to have that quality of striker,” the coach stated with a heavy heart.

Nerijus Valskis scoring against Jamshedpur FC

Owen Coyle praised his former striker Nerijus Valskis for his beautiful first-time finish from the rebound.

“Valskis is a fantastic striker when he is focused and disciplined, so that did not surprise me. But, my disappointment is we conceded the goal. TP (Rehenesh) made a decent save and Valskis did what strikers do on the rebound. All credit goes to them, I can’t be too harsh on my lads. You know we won 4-1, but we could’ve scored 8-9 goals.”

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