Nikhil Barla Interview: My goal is to play for the Indian national team
Nikhil Barla reflected on his breakthrough season and outlined his goals for the new season in this exclusive interview.
Jamshedpur FC winger Nikhil Barla is aiming for big achievements in the Indian Super League (ISL). The Jharkhand native made his ISL debut against Odisha FC in the 2022-23 season's final league match, but his real breakthrough came in the following season.
Initially a right-back, Barla was shifted to a right-winger position by coach Steve Cooper, and the 21-year-old was given a more attacking role under Khalid Jamil.
Last season, Barla clocked 954 minutes in 19 ISL appearances, frequently making dangerous crosses from the right flank. He also became a valuable substitute in several matches, racking up four assists throughout the season.
"It has been a great experience playing in the ISL, and I would like to thank Jamshedpur FC and the coach for giving me the opportunity,” Barla said in an interview with indiansuperleague.com.
“I have gained a lot of confidence playing in the ISL, and I want to achieve even more this season,” he said.
Nikhil Barla's visit to RMS School Balichela leaves a lasting impact on the young minds, fueling their passion for the beautiful game!⚽🦾#JamKeKhelo #IndianSuperLeague #ISL #grassroots #grassrootsfootball #football #indianfootball pic.twitter.com/OrH8PdgAyi
— Jamshedpur FC (@JamshedpurFC) September 6, 2024
Since Jamil’s appointment in December, the Men of Steel delivered several spirited performances, climbing up the table and staying in the playoff race.
However, difficult results in their final phase of the league games saw the 2021-22 ISL Shield winners finish outside the top six for the second consecutive season.
“I’m a local boy from Jamshedpur FC, and we will try to get results and make the fans happy this season,” Barla stated.
Having risen through the ranks at Jamshedpur FC, Barla understands the fans' sentiments and the importance of delivering results.
The upcoming season is pivotal not only for the team but also for Barla, who is determined to make a significant impact. He sees this as a crucial chance to advance his career and move closer to his ultimate goal of representing the national team.
“I was in the Tata Football Academy for four years. Back then, we used to play practice matches against ISL teams, which boosted our motivation and helped us grow as a player. Now that I'm playing in the ISL, it's a great feeling,” he said.
“I want to do well this season and improve further in the seasons to come. My goal is to play for the Indian national team,” Barla commented.
