Owen Coyle proud of team after "amazing" season for club

The Jamshedpur FC head coach shared his thoughts after being knocked out by Kerala Blasters.

The hopes to reach the maiden final were thrashed for Jamshedpur FC. The second leg of the semi-final ended with a 1-1 draw, with goals from Adrian Luna and Pronay Halder. Jamshedpur had no winger available to play on the right and they were decimated by injuries. After the heartbreaking loss, boss Owen Coyle spoke at the post-match press conference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1Z_1qwtnbc

Not playing finals despite winning the Shield

Jamshedpur FC join the list of teams who failed to win the trophy after being at the top in the league stages. The coach was asked to share his thoughts on the irony.

“We have won the League Shield and we gave our hearts trying to get the double and play the finals. We failed to take it to extra-time or to win the game. Kerala had some great chances on counter-attacks and it was always going to happen considering the number of players we have committed forward,” Owen Coyle started.

“But, the team kept pushing and we got a few very close things in the second half. So, we are obviously disappointed to be out of the competition. That being said, we had an amazing season. We were the best team after 20 games and won the league by five points,” he continued.

On reasons for loss

Jamshedpur FC played with character and the desire to win was visible in their performance, despite missing major players. On being asked about the reasons for the loss, Owen Coyle spoke about the difficulties the team faced.

“We ran out of players, I had no wide players. Greg (Stewart) had to start wide, so these things happen in football. I would give Kerala the credits, they have good players and are a great team. I wish them good luck. The two teams competing to play against them are two wonderful teams.”

“Our call for the penalty in the first half was not given. There did so much time-wasting, but it was only five minutes of injury-time. So, there are a lot of things that goes against you. But, Jamshedpur has shown the ISL and Indian football and that’s why we are the best in the league,” the tactician pointed out.

On moving forward for next season

Janshedpur FC had some real firepower in their squad this time. The manager was asked if he will be able to retain the core.

“That's the nature of football. Some people come and some go. I have shown when I recruit I can get good players. I get the players who want to play for me. So, that’s not a conversation for today,” he answered.

Owen Coyle signed off with some optimistic words for the fans. "If I am in India the place will always be Jamshepdur. And if I’m not then because I am back home with my family.”

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