Jamshedpur FC’s Javi Hernandez hails team as ‘Family’, praises fans for doubling the energy

Jamshedpur, September 23: In what is quickly becoming a hallmark of Jamshedpur FC’s season, another stunning comeback unfolded in front of an electric home crowd at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Saturday. Leading the charge was none other than Spanish playmaker Javi Hernandez, whose two goals, including a sublime free-kick, steered the Men of Steel to a 3-2 victory over Mumbai City FC.

“I was just thinking to cross the ball towards the goal,” Javi explained with humility. “Sometimes, when you aim the ball in the direction of the goal, anything can happen—a touch from a player, an own goal, or even a direct goal. I’m happy that it went in this time because it was such an important moment right before halftime.”

After Nikolaos Karelis had given Mumbai City FC the lead in the 18th minute, Jamshedpur seemed momentarily shaken. However, he hosts fought their way back into the game. Jordan Murray’s header from an Imran cross in the 36th minute leveled the score, but it was Javi’s clever free-kick in the 44th minute that turned the tide.

“Scoring right before the half gave us the momentum,” Javi noted. “It was crucial because after conceding, we didn’t let our heads drop. This team has a great spirit. We conceded early, but we always stay in the game and keep fighting until the end.”

Jamshedpur’s ability to bounce back was on full display again in the second half. Just five minutes after the restart, Javi doubled his tally with a left-footed finish into the bottom corner. Assisted by substitute Seminlen Doungel, who had come on at halftime, Javi’s goal gave Jamshedpur a 3-1 cushion. The partnership between the foreign and Indian players was a highlight of the game, something Javi was quick to reckon.

“We’re like a family,” he said. “Everyone has a good relationship, both on and off the pitch. When you feel like brothers, it helps during the game. Not only in attack, but also in defense—everyone works hard for each other.”

Despite a late screamer from Yoell Van Nieff that cut Jamshedpur’s lead to 3-2 in the 77th minute, the Men of Steel held firm. Javi praised the team’s defensive effort in the closing stages.

“When you concede late, it’s always tough because the other team keeps pushing. But I think we handled the last minutes very well,” Javi reflected. “It wasn’t just the starting eleven; the substitutes made a huge impact, and that’s a big strength for us. The fans, too, were incredible—they gave us the energy we needed to see the game out.”

“We feel them like they’re one more player on the pitch,” Javi said of the nearly 20,000 fans in attendance. “I’ve heard about these fans, and now I see it, they’re always with the team, always supporting us. This atmosphere at The Furnace is special, and it helps us a lot.”

With two wins from two, Jamshedpur FC have made a dream start to their Indian Super League campaign. But Javi Hernandez is keeping his feet on the ground, recognizing that there’s a long road ahead.

“We’ve won the first two games, and that’s important. But it’s a long season—22 more games to go. We need to keep playing with the same spirit and keep fighting for every point.”

Jamshedpur FC play Odisha FC in their next away match on September 28 th at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.