“Winning the ISL Shield has to be the peak of my career,” says Jamshedpur FC defender Laldinliana Renthlei

Jamshedpur FC winning the Indian Super League Winners’ Shield was a shocking turn of event for everyone associated with Indian football. The combination of Owen Coyle and the Men of Steel worked like a charm as it helped the club land their first ever silverware. It was a magical experience for Laldinliana Renthlei with whom Coyle is deeply attached. The Scotsman in a previous interview had even said that according to him Renthlei is India’s best right back.

This kind of belief in his players made this team a great unit last season. But now they will embark on a new journey under the leadership of Aidy Boothroyd . However Renthlei still can’t forget the glorious last season as he feels it was his best in his footballing career.

“For me, it was a completely new emotion as it was the first time I had won the ISL Shield. Although I played in the Super Cup final and the ISL final when I was Chennaiyin FC, this trophy is the peak of my career till now,” Renthlei told Sportskeeda in an interview ahead of the new season.

The 23-year-old fullback who caught Coyle’s attention at Chennaiyin FC credits the Scotsman totally for his growth and development as a footballer in Jamshedpur FC. “Before Coyle came to Chennaiyin FC, I wasn’t getting many minutes. When he took over the head coach role, he trusted me and gave me a chance to play. In turn, I also gave my everything to him and the club. Because of him, I’ve reached this far. I want to thank him for bringing me to Jamshedpur FC,” he added.

The Mizo fullback was exceptional last season and his performances were enough for Igor Stimac to call him to the camp. But sadly the 23-year-old was injured and could not attend the national camp as he was injured. Therefore he is looking to continue the good work from last season. “Yes, it definitely gives me motivation when the national team head coach wanted to call me up, but due to injury, I couldn’t make it to the camp. But this season, I’ll work harder and try again to get into the national team,” he revealed.

There will surely be pressure on Renthlei and the other Jamshedpur FC players because as great as it is to win the ISL Shield, it is even more difficult to defend it and that is what they will try to do under the leadership of Boothroyd. The 23-year-old right back understands this and believes that the team can win the ISL Shield and the trophy in the upcoming season.

“Last season is over and now we’re going to start from point zero. Everything is going to be new, with a new team and a new coach. We’ll work hard as usual to win the Shield and the ISL title,” he concluded.