Jay Gupta admits that the learning curve has been much higher this year
Panaji:
Jay Gupta
’s debut season in the Indian Super League (ISL) was stuff of dreams.
Until four months before his move to FC Goa – where he was first essentially on trial – Jay was turning out for an amateur club in the sixth tier of Spanish football. Suddenly, he moved to the top-tier in India, and proved that he was good enough to match the best in business.
Playing at left back for Goa, more out of compulsion than choice, Jay cemented his place. He started 21 of the 22 games, had the most number of successful tackles, registered the second highest numbers of touches in the Indian Super League (ISL) -- only Ahmed Jahouh had more – and became an important member of
Manolo Marquez
’s side with four goals and assist.
National team coach Igor Stimac soon handed him his India debut. It was like a dream.
This season has been tough as coach Manolo has preferred Aakash Sangwan at left back for club and country. In his preferred centre-back position, the defender has had to fight for a spot with Sandesh Jhingan and Nim Dorjee.
“I feel very confident in my capabilities, and I feel the competition just helps me a lot more,” Jay told TOI on Tuesday. “It’s a very good opportunity for me to grow and reach higher than even I can imagine. I have never been one to shy away from a challenge, and I always want somebody who's pushing me more. If somebody can put me out of my place, that's even better, because I'll keep on fighting to get my place back.”
Of the seven appearances that Jay has made this season, he has had only three starts. The defender admits that the learning curve has been much higher this year.
“If somebody is not being picked to start a game, maybe there's something that they need to learn, and that's what I'm trying to pick up on. My aim is not just to be a starter in a team. I want to do much more for my country, and for everything that I've been dreaming about. For me, the competition is just fuel,” said Jay.
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