PANAJI
FC Goa defender Jay Gupta is looking forward to his team's upcoming match against Kerala Blasters FC, set to take place in Kochi on Thursday. As the Indian Super League season heats up, Gupta shared his thoughts on the competition, his role in the team, and what to expect from the match.
So far this season, FC Goa have played 8 matches, winning 3, losing 3, and drawing 3, earning 12 points. Kerala Blasters have played 9 matches, winning 3, drawing 2, and losing 4, with 11 points. Both teams are closely matched, and Gupta is aware of how tough the competition has become this year.
"The competition is a lot tougher now," Gupta said. "Teams are better prepared, and there are stronger players across the board. A lot of teams are now fighting for the top 3 spots, which makes the league even more exciting. Personally, it’s a great opportunity for me to grow and improve."
Gupta also spoke about his role in the team. While it hasn’t always been easy to secure a spot in the starting lineup, he is confident in his abilities. "I feel very confident in my capabilities," he said. "The competition within the team only pushes me to become better. If someone comes in and takes my place, that's just more motivation for me to work harder and fight to get my spot back. I’ve never been afraid of challenges."
Looking ahead to the match in Kochi, Gupta stressed the importance of getting back to winning ways after the international break. "This is a crucial fixture for us, especially after the break," he said. "We want to continue where we left off. We've been training well, and the team is fully focused. Our aim is to start strong and get the win."
Playing in Kochi can be a challenge due to the passionate local fans and the hot and humid weather. However, Gupta is not worried about the pressure. "I don’t know why people call it pressure," he laughed. "We actually love playing in front of big crowds. The atmosphere there is incredible. The weather can be tough, though, but we’re used to it as we train in similar conditions here in Goa. We focus on staying fit and hydrated, but overall, we're excited to play there."
This season, Gupta has primarily been used as a center-back, although he remains an option at left-back. He believes the competition for spots in the team has helped him improve. "The learning curve is much higher this year," he said. "Sometimes, you have to take a step back to move forward, and that's what this season has been about for me. The competition for spots in the starting lineup is fierce, but it only makes me better."
