"We had instructions to defend a lot" - Javier Siverio reveals why he couldn't do well at East Bengal | Exclusive
Javier Siverio has been in India since the 2021-22 season and has been a former Indian Super League winner (Cup) with Hyderabad FC. Last season, he made a bold move to East Bengal, a club where the pressure to deliver is always high. He scored four goals in total, including the Durand Cup and the Super Cup but wasn't able to deliver in the ISL itself.
In the second half of the league, he shifted base to Jamshedpur FC, on loan from his parent club and became a hit and someone Khalid Jamil looked up to for goals. He scored three important goals for his side but his efforts couldn't help his team make a sober finish to the season. This time out, he is ready to face the storm and help the former Shield winners get back the status they deserve.
Sportskeeda had the opportunity to speak exclusively to the young Spanish forward. Excerpts are below:
Q. How has been your experience with Khalid Jamil last season?
A. Amazing. From Day 1, coach has valued me and has given me a lot of confidence. I think he knows me as a player and that's why I have found my best football in Jamshedpur again.
Q. Is this contract extension more of a second chance to prove yourself on Indian soil?
A. Not at all. I've been 3 years in India and have won the ISL, Super Cup and was runners-up in Durand Cup. Also, 23 goals in all competitions despite the minutes I've had at all the 3 teams I've played for. I think I have performed well in all the teams I've been and that's why some teams apart from Jamshedpur have shown interest in me.
But from the first moment in the season finished, my priority was to continue with Jamshedpur because they have always shown me big respect and confidence, and that's the most important for a player.
Q. There will be some major changes in the squad. How do you along with other players plan to overcome this challenge?
A. Every year there are a lot of changes in ISL teams and I'm used to that. We have kept some foreigners and some top Indian players. Generally we are all young and I'm sure we will have a great year.
Q. How was your experience at East Bengal? Do you miss the club or its players?
A. It was nice. Two medals in six months for the club after a drought of 12 years, I think was not bad. I scored some important goals to contribute to those achievements. Despite of that I think they were not happy with me, but I respect that. I miss my teammates a lot. We had an amazing group and amazing players but that's past and I'm now looking forward to this year and the future with Jamshedpur.
Q. In the previous ISL, you were not able to score for East Bengal, but after you joined Jamshedpur FC, you started scoring. What was going wrong at first and what changes were there at Jamshedpur which helped you get back to scoring goals?
A. Well... I think it's easy to understand. I didn't play enough minutes... just 300 in the league (like 3 complete games) and the team also didn't produce too much chances because we had the instructions to defend a lot. Here at Jamshedpur, the change was also obvious. Coach knew me and we were attacking and playing to win; and that's why a player like me scores goals. With minutes and close to the box, I think I can do my best, and coach knows it.
Q. This is your fourth season in India. What are the improvements you think Indian football needs?
A. Well ISL is improving a lot in terms of physique and quality, that's obvious. And this will be happening every year if the league continues doing the things they are doing. Every year teams get stronger and you can see it in the games. I'm very happy in India and I hope to continue here for a lot of years.
Q. Are there any role models in your life?
A. My father is an example of work everyday and I see the best example in him.
Q. Apart from football, is there any sport you love and follow? Can you please share a bit about it?
A. I like tennis a lot and when I can I play it, and during the year (when I can) I watch some amazing games.