Jamshedpur FC put up a solid performance against the Gaurs as they churned out a 2-2 draw in their final game of the year at the Furnace. After an entertaining clash, the Gaffer shares his thoughts about the game, the changes made in the style of play and much more.

Here are the excerpts from the  post-match press-conference:

Thoughts on the game…

It was a very good game from a neutral point of view. We were really good in the first half. We were by far the better team. We got the goal and worked hard to get the second one. I thought we got tired towards the end of the game, which is going to happen when we have players returning from injuries. But we broke the losing cycle. So, upwards and onwards from here on. 

Thoughts on the changes in the formation and personnel…

Tactically, we tried to give them different problems. People talk about them being a good team but they have players who can run behind, so they are a very good overall team. In the last match against FC Goa, we were 2-0 down very early and it was part of our game plan to be on the front foot while being the team that creates the chances in the early part of the match. The first fifteen minutes were a stark contrast to the last time we met. Hopefully, it means we are improving. 

Thoughts on Ishan Pandita's performance…

Ishan Pandita doesn't want to be the super sub anymore. He wants to be a player that wants to start and do well. I have given him that opportunity. He knows what he has to do for the team. He is a brilliant runner and he will score goals, the more he plays. The goal he scored was an opportunistic goal but I'm sure there will be plenty more. I am really pleased with him and every player, particularly the younger players that came in during the game. It was an excellent experience for them to be on the pitch and to play among the best players. 

On defensive lapses being the reason to the final result…

I think it was because we worked really hard in the game to get an upper hand and to get momentum. But it swung back the longer the game went. We were tired and the players are really disappointed with the result. But looking at the performance, if we take the two errors out which were avoidable errors, we are in the right direction throughout. But overall, I’m really pleased with the individuals in the team.