We feel excited, asserts Aidy Boothroyd before season opener

The Men of Steel will look to start a new era under the tactician.

The ISL 2022-23 campaign will make its way to the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on October 11. The current Champions of India, Jamshedpur FC will host Odisha FC to commence their title defending season. After two seasons in the bubble, the fans, the Red Miners, are back in the stadium to light the furnace up with beaming faces and shake it with their roars that can perforate ear drums. Additionally, the fans must be waiting to have a glimpse of Aidy Boothroyd's side at the Furnace.

Before the matchday, the head coach Aidy Boothroyd and goalkeeper Rehenesh TP addressed the media.

Team news

The game against Odisha FC will mark the beginning of a new era under Aidy Boothroyd. The head coach has a lot of expectations from himself in India and so have the fans. Aidy’s first words were very positive with a beaming smile on his face.

“No injury worries. Everybody is fit and healthy. My overriding feeling about tomorrow is excitement. I am looking forward to the game very much.”

Playing in front of the faithful Red Miners

Jamshedpur FC is ready to feel the love and warmth of the passionate Red Miners. The city is oozing with excitement to welcome the Champions. Aidy was asked how much the fans would help the team.

“I think it will really help us. We have trained here a few times earlier in pre-season. I think it will be a big occasion to play in front of the fans and everybody is excited and looking forward to it. The pre-season has been brilliant considering the fact I did not know any staff or player beforehand. Everybody is happy and feeling positive,” the manager answered.

“We all are gonna witness the massive support of the fans I have heard. Bring it on, we want to play. We all are fit and ready to compete,” he continued.

Mental health of the team

Mental health has been a negligible thing in football until recently. The manager was asked to comment on the mental health and any type of stress the players are facing in the heat of the tournament.

“We have found the way we want to play. The team is more or less organised and ready. The harder you work the less stress you have. And I want my players to enjoy themselves when they play. Hopefully we don’t have such problems. But pressure is a privilege and the players must have that in order to do well.”

The Squad

Jamshedpur FC have managed to retain the core squad from the previous campaign. And have made some key reinforcements as well. But the team looks younger than before and Aidy was asked to address the concern.

“Instead of a team full of older players it’s important to have a team of younger players as well. The middle age balance is needed. We aim to have a balance of youth and experience. That will result in some excellent football that we want to play,” asserted Aidy.

“The squad has got some good experienced players in there and we are going that way. We also have players from the academy who will get better with time and make us a better team.”

Rehensh TP’s words

The custodian is into his third season with the Jamshedpur based club. He recalled it and said, “I am really happy to continue with the team. It’s my third season with Jamshedpur and it’s been a very good journey so far.”

He continued,“Last season was quite good for us and we want to continue the momentum. We are well prepared.”

Talking about the first game against Odisha, FC Rehenesh made some positive statements. He commented, “ The first game is always important to build the momentum. So we are aware of it and are well prepared. We are looking forward to the game. At last, it’s a match like every other game and we want to win it.”

The goalkeeper agreed with the coach's words over feeling pressure heading in as the current Champions title. “Pressure is quite a tense word and we don't feel like that. We are feeling excited and ready. The club has waited for a long time to get in front of its fans.”