Jamshedpur FC have built a fine momentum after gathering a total of seven points in the three matches played (2 wins, 1 draw) in the 2019-20 edition of the Indian Super League, so far. Having not lost a single match yet, Coach Iriondo’s men will be looking to keep the ball rolling in Kolkata, as the team plays their first away fixture of the League.
Ahead of matchday, head coach, Antonio Iriondo accompanied by goalkeeper coach, Alfonso Lacasa Taberne and defender, Bikash Jairu, addressed the media at the pre-match press conference held in the ‘city of joy’ earlier today.
On being asked about his game plan to keep ATK’s potent attack at bay, Coach Antonio said, “We know we’re playing against a great team. It’s a very serious team and when I say serious, it’s like they know the way they want to win. They have a lot of quality in their team. I know their coach (Antonio Lopez Habas) and it’s a team that gets into crazy matches who love to attack through.”
While Jamshedpur FC’s foreign signings have thrived in the League and have started to become fan favourites already, the Indian contingent has certainly not been far behind. The likes of Farukh Choudhary and Aniket Jadhav have been a menace for our oppositions’ defences when it comes to sharing goal scoring responsibilities.
ATK head coach, Antonio Lopez Habas, was full of praise for Jamshedpur FC. The Spaniard said, “"We have the maximum respect for the opponent, for their technical staff and their players. I think they are a good team. They have a good coach as well."
When asked about Farukh Choudhary’s National Team call-up, our head coach said, “I can tell you that Farukh has grown a lot in the last two months. He is improving quite fast and if he keeps improving this way then he will definitely play for the national team.” Choudhary, along with Narender Gahlot, are the two players from Jamshedpur FC, who will be representing the Indian Football Team at the FIFA World Cup 2022 and AFC Asian Cup 2023 joint-qualifiers, during the international break.
Iriondo assured that he has been enjoying his time in the Indian Super League and in India. “"I am enjoying here, and I am trying to live every second of this experience which is great,” said the Spaniard.
On being asked about his thoughts ahead of the ATK clash, defender, Bikash Jairu claimed, ““I am definitely looking forward to the game against ATK. It is important to give your 100% for the team in every game. So yes, I am pumped for the upcoming clash.”
