Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle revealed that his team is motivated by the willingness to take the club into the semi-finals for the first time, as they take on Bengaluru FC in match 82 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at Athletic Stadium in Panaji, Goa on Saturday.

Coyle's men are second in the league table with 22 points in 12 matches. They are four points adrift of Hyderabad FC, who sit at the top of the table, having played a couple of games less. The Men of Steel are on a 3-match unbeaten run.

Match 82 Preview: Major clash awaits between Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC to decide top-four fate

Jamshedpur FC defeated FC Goa 1-0 in their last match. An early second half strike from new signing Daniel Chima secured the three points for JFC.

Ahead of Jamshedpur FC’s clash against Bengaluru FC, coach Coyle addressed the media during the official pre-match press conference.

Here are the excerpts from the press conference.

JFC are second in the table despite so many obstacles, what does it tell you about the character of the team?

Yes, well, we know about the character, desire, and the quality we have. That’s why we are in this position. But what we want to do is see the job through. We have the opportunity to attain those points and continue our three games unbeaten run. We want to make that four going into a tough game against Bengaluru FC. Our strength is we do everything together as a group. We have to drive forward together.

What do you think about the fixtures that have come for Jamshedpur FC?

Well, the fixtures had to be played at some point. We have to play every opponent. It doesn't matter if we played them in the first game or the last game. It’s going to be a tough run of games but they all are, that’s why we love this league. We have to play our part and qualify for the semi-finals which we haven’t till now. That’s our motivation, desire, and aim.

Also Read: It is important to win, but the result at the end of the league stage is what matters: Bengaluru FC’s Marco Pezzaiuoli

What’s your take on Bengaluru FC?

It doesn’t surprise me that Bengaluru FC have elevated themselves. We played a draw with them in the first leg. I had said that they are a very good side, prior as well as after the game. They have got an outstanding coach. He is a very nice man. They have got a very good staff. They work very hard as a team. Young Roshan is growing in leaps and bounds. They have got talented players but so do we. And I am really looking forward to it.

How impressed were you with Chima’s performance?

I said this before the game and that’s why I brought him to the club, because of his qualities. He is a terrific footballer and a champion already. He has played at high levels in tough leagues and he has always shown his qualities. I think he will get better and stronger as the season progresses. We have Jordan Murray and Ishan Pandita as well upfront.