Chennaiyin FC will aim to consolidate their top-four status against a solid Jamshedpur FC side at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Sunday in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18. Sitting third in the table, a win would take them to second, just behind table-toppers Bengaluru FC and almost cement their place in the playoffs. A number of players have starred for the former champions this season, but the one who has been a revelation for the side is the 19-year-old defender Jerry Lalrinzuala. A constant figure in each of Chennaiyin’s fixtures this season, the emerging star sat down with indiansuperleague.com to share his views on the matches and his performance. Here are the excerpts.

 How crucial was the win against FC Goa and how did it affect the mood in the Chennaiyin camp?

The last match was very good for us as we won the match. It was very difficult to win and tomorrow again, we have a match against Jamshedpur. The team was very happy after the win in the last match and tomorrow we need to do even better against Jamshedpur FC.

Do you think a longer break affected the team’s performance?

No. Sometimes it does affect if you don’t play for too long but we stay together in every practice, we work together very hard and try to do our best in every match.

 Your thoughts on Jamshedpur FC?

Jamshedpur FC are a very good and strong team. We don’t know who will win but we will try our best to win and take the three points.

 Will there be any specific strategies against Jamshedpur FC?

We don’t focus much on those things. We will just try to win and take the three points.

 Do you have any intention of taking the free- kicks for your team?

Yes, let’s see! If we get free-kick opportunities then I may take them.

 How do you evaluate your performance and progress this season?

I am very happy because my teammates help me so much in everything. I want to give and play my best for my team in every match. The players in the team help me a lot and I am very happy to receive the ‘Emerging Player’ award in the matches.

 Any message for the fans?

Chennaiyin fans are very good. Tomorrow we have a very important match, so please support us again.