Monroy does not want Jamshedpur FC a hostage to their past
Jamshedpur FC midfielder Aitor Monroy insists his side is aiming for nothing less than a play-off berth in the upcoming season of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL).
In their three seasons in the league so far, the team has never broken into the top-4 at the end of the league stage, which is something Monroy desperately wants to change this time.
"We are here to be in the playoffs. We are eager to change the trend this year. Once we are in the top-four, we fight. In the history of JFC, this has never happened and it is high time we change this. After that we analyse game by game," sportstar.thehindu.com quoted Monroy as saying.
In their 18 matches last season, Jamshedpur FC registered just four wins and six draws and finished 8th in the league stage. The 33-year-old Spaniard, however, doesn’t want his team to be a hostage to their past.
"The past is gone and we have to live in the present. We have to show positive energy and passion on the field. We need to back ourselves to begin the season on a high. We moved out of quarantine only a few days ago and are training very hard," he said.
Jamshedpur FC’s campaign has been boosted by the arrival of head coach Owen Coyle and Nerijus Valskis -- both instrumental to Chennaiyin FC’s run to the Hero ISL final last season. Monroy considers their presence good tidings.
"They come with a big match-winning mentality. The coach has the passion to win games. That is very important. I know Valskis from before. He has the ability to score goals. For a team to have a goal scorer like this presents good vibes," he said.
Monroy also spoke of Jamshedpur FC’s Indian resources in glowing terms, particularly Jackichand Singh. "Jacki has played big games and is a player with experience. He is very professional and all young players will follow his lead and that is very important. He will be a key player for us. Amarjit [Singh], Laldinliana [Renthlei] will look forward to growing with him,” he said.
Jamshedpur FC kick off their campaign with a mouth-watering contest against Chennaiyin FC on November 24 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco.
