ISL: Mental revamp is what players seek during the off-season, says Jitu

The defensive midfielder wants to help Jamshedpur FC retain and win the shield again

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, September 5: Young defensive midfielder Jitendra Singh wants to add that spark again and carry on with the momentum in the Indian Super League (ISL), which begins next month.

That Jamshedpur FC claimed the coveted ISL League Winners’ Shield in the last edition of the cash-rich tournament in Goa should further encourage Jitendra (Jitu) and rest of the team members to go for a repeat act and beyond (Indian Super League trophy).

The 21-year-old Kolkata-born Jitendra is perhaps aware that he needs to once again play a key role and try to put the Men of Steel on a strong pedestal. Keeping in mind the potential of the former FIFA Under-17 World Cupper, the Red Miners may once again give him that much match time.

“It felt good to get that much game time and have the trust of the coach in the previous seasons. We eventually got success as a group with the playoffs and winning the Shield. The senior players immensely helped me to grow.” said Jitendra while sharing his experience from last season.

Asked about the new inclusions in the team, Jitendra said: “The new players coming in are really professional. Wellington (Priori) has played for Jamshedpur previously and he is well aware of what the team demands of him”. Other players have also played in the top leagues, so it won’t be that difficult. We just need to know each other and the rest would be fine.”

Under the guidance of former head coach Owen Coyle, Jitu evolved and took control of the midfield as he started in the majority of the matches for Jamshedpur, which further earned him an extension with the Tata Steel-owned club.

Jitendra, who has switched from being a defender to a midfielder in the ISL,commanded the midfield for Jamshedpur and started most of the games.

“Last season was really good for me. I felt good to get that much game time and have the trust of the coach. We eventually got success as a group with the play-offs and winning the Shield. And the senior players like Greg Stewart and Peter Hartley immensely helped me to grow. I learnt to keep myself in a good mental state when things were tough for us.”

According to him, a mental revamp is what players seek during the off-season. He took the off-season period to spend some time with them and feels he is ready for the on-field action ahead “I am already working hard to get back in shape.”

Jitu is the only midfielder from the previous season to continue at Jamshedpur FC. He denied he would get any advantage over the new players due to his performance last season with the club.

“I have nothing like that in my mind. Only if there is competition in your position then you will grow. It’s never going to happen being in the comfort zone. The new players are really talented and that’s needed to do well,” added the midfielder.

Being a defensive midfielder, Jitendra’s task is not only to guard the Jamshedpur FC fortress but also keep the passes flowing into the attacking third.

“I am expecting more from myself as well. Last season also I wanted to do even better but it takes time. I am working on my game to increase my involvement in attack. And I am getting support from the team as well. So the process is on and I hope to get my maiden goal in Jamshedpur colours. It has been three years here and I want to score and assist for the team.”