Jamshedpur FC forward Ishan Pandita wants the supporters to back the team through their rough patch and stick with them, as his side faces East Bengal FC in matchweek 8 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, in Jamshedpur, on Sunday.

Pandita, who came up with clutch goals under former coach Owen Coyle during last season, got off the mark this season in their last game against Chennaiyin FC with a thunderous volley. The 24-year-old is keen on helping the team with more goal contributions, and most importantly, wants the team to secure the essential three points in their upcoming game.

The forward spoke to Jamshedpur FC in an exclusive pre-match interview ahead of their contest against East Bengal FC.

Here are the excerpts from his interview: 

Did you gain a lot of confidence after scoring in the last game?

Yes, obviously, finding the back of the net is a great feeling. It’s obviously good for my confidence. It was my first start of the season as well, but we didn’t get the result that we wanted, which is the most important thing. So like always, three points this weekend. If I can help the team with a goal or with an assist, everything counts.

🗣️ Ishan Pandita speaks about the team's preparation and aim for #JFCEBFC ahead of another awaited home fixture tomorrow ⚽#JamKeKhelo @TataSteelLtd @TataSteelLtd pic.twitter.com/IwQqkSA4TS

— Jamshedpur FC (@JamshedpurFC) November 26, 2022

How is the preparation ahead of the game against East Bengal FC?
I think the team is in good spirits. Obviously, we didn’t get the result we wanted against Chennaiyin FC, but we’re not looking at that now. It’s a new chance to get three points. We’re positive and the training is going well.

What’s your message for the Jamshedpur FC fans?

Keep supporting us. I know it’s been a little bit rough right now. We’re not going through the best patch. Stick with us. We will get the result that we want. Come to the Furnace this weekend and we’ll put on a good show. Thank you.    

Do you think you’ve learnt from what went wrong against Chennaiyin FC?

Yes, we’ve seen what we did wrong in Chennai, we’ve analysed it and we’ve been working on it in training and hopefully we can correct that in the upcoming game.

Are you expecting to be a big part of the team once again this weekend?

Obviously, hopefully. I’ll be trying to do my best and help the team, like always.