ISL 2019-20 | Very happy with players and the way they’re improving, says Antonio Iriondo
Jamshedpur FC head coach Antoni Iriondo has stated that he is happy with his players and the way they are improving after their briliant display against Odisha, a match that they won despite going down to 10 men. Their skipper Tiri, who is serving for long now, also spoke about his success in India.
Jamshedpur FC takes on debutants Hyderabad FC in their second home game of the season at the JRD Tata Stadium in Jamshedpur on Tuesday. The Tata-owned side will be coming to the match after downing another debutant, Odisha FC, 2-1 playing with 10 men for 60 minutes. And head coach Antoni Iriondo didn’t hide his happiness with the players and the way they are improving pointing it out.
“We conceded a goal in the last match despite playing almost 60 minutes with a man down (against Odisha). Good things always need time. So, we will keep training and try to be better in both offence and defence. I am very happy with the players and the way they are improving.” said Antonio Iriondo at the pre-match press conference, reported ISL website.
“The team is still under construction and we are still working on our style of play. The important thing is that the players have put in a great effort and I am very happy about that. I am very particular about the way we play and not just the result. I am happy about the result (in the last match) but also with the way we played. At this point, I still think we need to keep improving to achieve our goal,” the Spaniard added.
Iriondo didn’t want to borrow ideas from his predecessors while stating that he had nothing but the utmost respect for all the managers and players, who played for the side in the last two years managing to keep the side in the fifth position.
“I have respect for the past coaches and players who were at the club. I am sure they did their best to put the team on a high level. But this is a new year, a new season, so we have to think like that. I don’t think the past makes a difference. We don’t want to mix ideas of the past with new ideas as that may create confusion.” said the 65-year-old coach.
Iriondo also sounded extremely confident about getting all the three points against Hyderabad FC. “I think this is a different match and we have to focus on that. We have to play together as a team. Stats aren’t important and I hope we can win against Hyderabad.” added Antonio.
Jamshedpur's captain Tiri was also present at the press meet with the coach, the former ATK defender who joined JFC back in 2016 after winning the ISL, shared his observation about the league.
“I think the most important thing is to work as a team, not just inside the pitch but outside the pitch too. So, everyone needs to work together and go towards the same direction.” sad the Jamshedpur skipper.
