We had the opportunity to score a couple more goals: Owen Coyle

After a dominant 5-1 win against Odisha FC at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Friday, Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle made his objectives clear as his team looks to consolidate their place at the top of the league standings.

Coyle noted that his team had opportunities to capitalise and score more than the five goals they ultimately scored. The Men of Steel won their 12th game of the season, bringing their season total to 40 points. They also strengthened their grip on the top place, which appears to be theirs to lose, even though their last league match is against ATK Mohun Bagan.

Coyle addressed the media during the post-match press conference. Here are some excerpts from his press conference:

Was this an annihilation to defeat Odisha FC 5-1?

It was a very deserving victory. I think Odisha were spirited and they tried to make things difficult but it was the first goal, followed by the second that made it really comfortable and we looked well ahead in the game. But what could happen was if we had switched off for any moment, the intensity of the match was lost, and we conceded a goal on the verge of halftime. So, I certainly made them aware of that. Made them aware of how well we’ve done and how well we’ve passed, chances we’ve created. We had to ensure that we came in the second half ready to play the level and high tempo we play. When we had to defend, we did. We scored five goals, truth be told, we could have scored a few more. The next game, against ATK Mohun Bagan, will be a huge game for both clubs. We were outstanding today, and we must make sure we are ready for that.

Daniel Chima and Ritwik Das have been very good. Is there any reason for it?

There is a very simple reason, they are very good players. They have the confidence and trust of the coach. They know what I ask of them, they know their role and the responsibility within the team, and they are prepared to do that. They are prepared to work hard for the team. They have the desire and the hunger, everything we ask for at Jamshedpur. And when we do that, we see those kinds of performances. We can stand toe-to-toe with anybody.

What does reaching the 40-point mark mean to you?

It means that we have won an awful lot of games, we finished with 27 points last year. There was a lot of work to do. I inherited eleven players at the club, this year when I was able to change the players and bring in the players, I want that reflect how my team plays, that’s what we have to continue with. The past is behind us now, it can’t affect what is in front of us. The only thing I am thinking of right now is recovery and preparing for the biggest game of the season.