Jamshepur FC would like to remain on top of the table when they face Odisha FC in an Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 tie at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on Friday evening.
Keeping a clean sheet is important as Owen Voyle would surely want the spirit of his boys high before the all-important semi-finals. Jamshedpur FC have come up with super form with five wins in a row and adding one more (against Odisha) will also be on the head coach's mind.
"This game against Odisha FC is going to be a challenging one for many reasons. Firstly, our intentions and agenda in terms of winning enough points to finish in the top position to lift the shield, which would be a remarkable achievement. To do that, we have to play very well against the dangerous Odisha FC as they showed in their game against ATK Mohun Bagan, who could have easily won the game but pulled out a draw. So, we have to be very focused as we know that Odisha have some wonderful talents and attack-minded players which we’ll be very respectful of," said Coyle.
On being short on midfielders in the squad at the moment, the Scottsman said they are running short on midfielders. Jitendra is not quite ready and Mobashir has been suspended because of which they'll have to move players around a bit.
"But we’ve done that in numerous games before and we still step up to the pitch without making any drama about it because it is what it is. That is how it is in football, you’ll never have your desired 11 players you want to play every game because it is impossible and this doesn't happen in football. What we have to do as a club and as a head coach, is adjust to this shortage and make sure that the ones you have available are ready to give everything they’ve got," he added.
On the red card given to Mobashir Rahman, Owen said: "I do think the red card was a bit harsh on Mobashir which is our first red card of this season because we’ve been so disciplined and focused. I think Mobashir got caught up in the tangle with Akash Mishra and from my angle, Mobashir was trying to push his leg away to try and pull his leg away from the entanglement and did not deliberately kick Mishra. If the official would have taken another interpretation of the situation then he’d have never received the red card.. So we felt really harshly treated by the decision and Mobashir will miss the next game."