With the season premiere closer than ever, let’s have an overview of an eventful pre-season along with what lies ahead for Jamshedpur FC in the upcoming Indian super League (ISL).
As the battle for COVID-19 continued, the football fans finally had a reason to cheer in India as the announcement of ISL being held in Goa within closed doors, was made.
Jamshedpur FC was ready for the challenge ahead and ensured that the pandemic did not put a damper to their plans for the upcoming season. The club made a statement in the market by bringing experienced Head Coach, Owen Coyle on board.
Owen and the technical staff drew up a plan to shake things up for the better this season as the club went on to turn heads with a string of new and exciting signings. Foreign players like Valskis, the top goal-scorer for the last season, was one of the most exciting additions to the team this year. The robust Nigerian defender, Stephen Eze, the rock-hard English defender, Peter Hartley, who is also the captain this season, Brazillian midfield magician, Alex Lima, and the Aussie winger, Nick Fitzgerald, were some of the many strong additions to the team. There are also a set of strong Indian additions like Jackichand Singh, Laldinliana Renthlei and more.
The squad started coming to Goa in the first week of October, first with the Indian players and staff, followed by the foreigners. After passing the first challenge of quarantine, the training began in full flow from the 3rd week of October to the delight of the team.
“It’s going to be a challenging season for all teams, with the shortened pre-season and so many restrictions. But we have to deal with it and adjust with the new normal as we look to prepare for our first match,” said Owen Coyle in one of his pre-season interviews.
“I was so happy to step on the field and kick the ball in training today after my quarantine ended,” said Jackichand after his first pre-season training session.
With approximately four weeks of pre-season under their belt, the team is raring to face their first opponent in the battle ground at Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco, the club’s home ground for the ISL 2020-21.
A thrilling clash with Chennaiyin FC awaits as Owen Coyle, Nerka Valskis and Dinliana get ready to face their former club right away, and they are leaving no stone unturned to get those 3 points in the season premier.
On the first match of the season, Peter Hartley commented, “The first game is always the toughest. It’s important we give our all and try to get the three points.”
“I am happy to have the trust of the Head Coach and will give my all to lead this squad to win the ISL this season,” Hartley added on being asked about his captaincy.
Since its inception back in 2017, Jamshedpur FC has come very close to qualifying for the play-offs but missed out by a whisker. With Owen Coyle’s guidance and vision combined with the hard-work and dedication that the players are putting in, the team is hoping to give a jaw-dropping performance and hopefully, qualify for the play-offs this season.
So keep supporting, cheering and shower all your love for the Red Miners this season!
#JamKeKhelo
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