We are not far away from being a good team: Jamshedpur FC’s Aidy Boothroyd
Jamshedpur FC head coach Aidy Boothroyd urged his team to continue working hard as he feels it’s a matter of time before their performances will be rewarded with results in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).
Jamshedpur FC head coach Aidy Boothroyd urged his team to continue working hard as he feels it’s a matter of time before their performances will be rewarded with results in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).
The defending League Shield Winners are tenth in the table and will face bottom-placed NorthEast United FC in Guwahati on Saturday and the Englishman believes there is no shortage of motivation among his players despite the lack of tangible goals to play until the end of the season.
“It's not difficult to motivate the players at all. Both clubs have had losing seasons and it's difficult but this is the test for the individuals, the team and the squad of players. So, we are not doing anything apart from concentrating on every single game and winning it,” Boothroyd said during the pre-match press conference.
“We want to finish the season strongly. Last year was a very good season but we are in a transitional year in many aspects and for us, it's about finishing the season strongly and win as many games as we can,” he added.
Jamshedpur FC came close to upsetting league leaders Mumbai City FC in their last match but two late goals cost them all three points. It has been a recurring theme for the Red Miners where their performances haven’t reciprocated into points.
“I think we have played some fantastic football but we haven't got enough reward for that. We haven't kept enough clean sheets and we haven't scored as many goals as we should have done. We accept that as a group and we have got to work hard to the next step because we are not far away from being a very good team,” said the 51-year-old.
“Some of the goals we have conceded are down to unforced errors on our part. So, we have to take responsibility for that. But the pleasing thing is that we have done well but missed out on fine margins. So that means you can take it into the next game, build and look to become better. We need to improve on some key aspects but we are performing well. The results haven't come yet but they will,” he added.
Boothroyd is looking forward to the Super Cup and feels it’s an opportunity to get something in their bag this season.
“Everyone is playing for their places. Those players that are out of the contract are playing to get another one. I think we have lot to play for. The Super Cup gives us an opportunity to go and challenge for something and we also have the AFC playoff as well,” he added.
Daniel Chima Chukwu is Jamshedpur FC’s joint top goalscorer with three goals and feels the atmosphere in the team is good and will help them in the remainder of the season.
The mood in the dressing room is pretty good. We try to keep a positive mind. We have played well but we aren't getting the results we deserve. But the idea is to keep going,” he said.