EXCLUSIVE: We have to remain focussed from first second of the match against Odisha, says Valskis

As Jamshedpur FC brace itself for tonight's match against Odisha, their forward Nerka Valskis has his assessment about the team. The team's ultimate's cause is to make it to the playoffs even as problems remain aplenty.

Hyderabad: Come this evening and Jameshedpur's forward Nerka Valskis will again look to thrive on chances against Odisha, just the way he capitalised on a sole goal his team netted against Chennaiyin FC on November 24.

The team's chances against a depleted Odisha FC attack may not look like a mountain to climb but Jamshedpur itself have been in the doldrums and will fancy their chances at Tilak Maidan stadium tonight.

The Lithuanian player, in an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, wants to help the team reach playoffs and that remains his "ultimate aim."

For tonight's match, Jamshedpur's plan is simple -- play well and win.

Nerka Valskis

Excerpts:

Q. What have your learnings been from the last match? Since you guys had multiple chances like the one of Peter Hartley but couldn't capitalise on moments. What changes are the team looking for?

A. It was a difficult game. We conceded early and then conceded a goal from a penalty. We ended up chasing the game for all 90 minutes. We have to ensure we don't let any mistakes happen as the opponents can hurt us from the word go. We have to be focussed from the first second of the match and ensure we keep a balance between defence and attack.

Q. You are the current Indian Super League 2019-20 Golden Boot winner and did a wonderful goal in the last match too. Tell us about your plans and how are you going to help the team's cause?

A. I want to help the team reach the playoffs. That's the ultimate aim. We want to bring glory to Jamshedpur. And I will contribute as much as I can to make this happen.

Q. After losing out on the last game, the pressure would be on you guys come the game this evening. Any specific plans against Odisha's team?

A. The plan is to play well and win. As I said earlier, we have to avoid any mistakes and be focussed in the entire match.

Q. How has the training been under coach Owen Coyle?

A. It's been a good experience with him. I have known him for a year now. We had some great moments back in Chennai and I hope we can make more memories in Jamshedpur. He has a lot of experience at the big stage and any player that trains and plays under him will benefit a lot and gain valuable knowledge of the game and become a better player.

Q. Tell us about the team's composition. And who are the talented players you see among Indian players?

A. Jamshedpur has some good talented youngsters. Amarjit, Narender, Mobashir, Jitendra, Mandi, Aniket, they have really shown great value in training. Some of them played the first game and did quite well.

Q. Difficult living in a bio-bubble?

A. It is a challenge. You're away from your family, and don't have the freedom to move around. It hurts more when you are in a paradise like Goa. The beach is right in front of us but we cannot go there as it's out of our bio-bubble. But we have to live with it. The important thing is football is back and everyone's safety is of paramount importance in these tough times.

--By Ayushmaan Pandey