Jamshedpur FC head coach Aidy Boothroyd did not have the best start to his Indian Super League campaign. Also, he took over the reins from Owen Coyle and he knew he had big boots to fill. Although his team ended up in the 10th spot in the ISL standings, they started playing better football with more synergy.
They ended their ISL campaign with an unbeaten streak of four games and carried that form to the Super Cup. They played some excellent football and advanced to the semifinals of the knockout tournament. They won all of the group games but were beaten by Bengaluru FC in the semifinals.
Speaking right at the end of the footballing season, Boothroyd feels India can do a lot better than where they are currently. “From what I’ve seen India could be better than where they are now,” the Englishman told in an interview with Sportstar.
Jamshedpur FC are a team full of young Indian talents and Boothroyds showered praises on them for their dedication towards the game and the hard work they are ready to put on to learn something new.
“The most important and the most positive thing about the Indian players is their character. They are willing to learn and want to be better. It’s about getting them to believe in themselves,” he opined.
The 52-year-old, who has extensive experience of working in different sectors of Indian football has coached some of the best talents in the world. During his time in England, he has worked with players like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and many more. He is not hesitant even if he is offered a junior setup coaching role in India as he assures that he will consider anything.
He shared that he wanted to experience something different and therefore he joined Jamshedpur FC and he instantly noticed that everything was different. Right from the playing style, the vibrant culture and a different way of living. Hence India can be a small chapter in his vast footballing map.
“I think my time in Europe has been well spent. Coming here has opened my eyes to a brand new way of playing the game, and a brand new way of living. It has a different, vibrant culture, India has got me going again,” Boothroyd concluded.
He will hope that the Men of Steel are better prepared for the upcoming season and like his predecessor, he can unlock the inner talent of the players and take them to great heights.
