ISL: Jamshedpur FC coach Iriondo proud of players in 2-1 victory

The stage was set for the Jamshedpur FC vs Odisha FC game to be a battle of the newcomers. Jamshedpur is currently playing in their third season of the ISL. Odisha FC, formerly known as Delhi Dynamos, however, are playing in their inaugural season in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).

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Jamshedpur FC were quick off the blocks, as striker Farukh Choudhary's effort put the hosts ahead as early as the 17th minute. Jamshedpur FC, however, were quickly walking a tightrope when midfielder Aitor Monroy was booked just under the half-hour mark. That wasn't the end for the home team, however. Moments later, winger Bikash Jairu was sent off for a rash challenge on Jerry Mawihmingthanga. Incidentally, it was Jerry Mawihmingthanga who provided the assist for Odisha FC's equaliser. The young midfielder, who moved from Jamshedpur FC to Odisha FC for the 2019-20 ISL season, impressed as he laid on the assist for Odisha's Spanish striker Aridane Santana. 

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ISL: Antonio Iriondo's words

The game did have a distinct Spanish flavour to the contest, as both teams have Spanish managers in their dugouts, along with a strong Spanish contingent in their squads. Speaking after the game, Jamshedpur FC head coach Antonio Iriondo went on to thank his players for their gritty display against Odisha FC, despite being down to 10 men early on. The former Rayo Vallecano manager also said that despite being down to 10 men, his players had the game under control and did well to create chances on the counter-attack.

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His Spanish counterpart, Josep Gombau, was more pensive in his thoughts after the game. Gombau, who orchestrated a productive off-season for Odisha FC with some smart signings, said that it is very difficult to play against a team that defended so deep. He did, however, admit that playing against such a deep defence was not an excuse for losing the game, despite having a one-man advantage over the hosts for the better part of the game. 

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