Mobashir Rahman Exclusive: Jamshedpur FC midfielder speaks on Durand Heartbreak, Mental Toughness, ISL Hopes

Add as a preferred source on Google

Mobashir Rahman's rise in football is a story of grit and talent. Starting in local leagues, he now plies his trade for Jamshedpur FC.

Rahman began his career in local leagues. His skills quickly caught the eye of scouts. He soon joined the Tata Football Academy (TFA), known for nurturing young talent. In 2018, Rahman signed with Jamshedpur FC. His debut season saw him make significant contributions on the field.

Rahman has since played for the likes of Chennaiyin FC, East Bengal - before returning to his home team Jamshedpur FC this season. MyKhel had an exclusive chat with the Steel Miner, facilitated by Sony Sports, where he opened up on his journey and the ambitions.

Rejoining Jamshedpur FC

"I am really happy that I am back in the city and really happy that I am getting a chance to play for this team. I can see that the urgency is there in every training and the desire. Everyone wants to give their 100%. Everyone wants to achieve something."

Own Development and Mental Toughness

Mobashir owes his development to the various coaches who have played a big part in his career.

"Working under those great coaches and all the players like foreigners and Indians, I have learned a lot from them and it really helped me get better. Just to break it down a little bit so we have something."

The player also speaks about mental toughness, which is a massive requirement for every professional footballer. The sport is not the same every day, and staying tough amid adversities is something that one needs to learn to excel.

"Mentally, football is not good every day. When you are losing, the environment is totally different. So, at that time, how do you keep yourself mentally strong so that you can start the next match from zero. So, that's the most important thing. How are you preparing yourself? We are learning this from our seniors only."

Playing under Khalid Jamil

After a season at East Bengal, Khalid Jamil has brought him back to Jamshedpur FC. And Rahman says the JFC coach has high hopes for him.

"Khalid Jamil has high expectations from me. I am just trying to give my best for the team. It's only been a month since I joined the team. It's good that I am learning a lot from him. He is more of an attacking mind. I am learning a lot from him in training."

On Durand Cup & missing out on Knockouts

"I think every season of the Durand Cup is getting more competitive. There are so many good Indian players in the ISL teams. There are so many good Indian players in the ISL teams. There are so many good Indian players in the ISL teams.

Jamshedpur were on course to qualification but a shock defeat in the final group game against Army Red, which inflicted their exit from the tournament. And Mobashir is still in shock at how they managed to lose that match.

"We wanted to qualify but I still can't believe how we lost the last game. If we could have handled the last 20 minutes, we could have qualified for the next round. But still we will work hard for the ISL. It happens in sports. We will learn from our mistakes."

It will be important that they learn from the horror show in the Durand Cup as a massive ISL season looms large. The Steel Miners finished 2nd from bottom last season and need an upheaval this term.

The Mantra for Success

"There are young players as well in the team. When you are young, you watch your seniors. If they need any guidance, I will appropriately guide them. If you are giving everything in the training, you will get results in the matches."

Mobashir Rahman does have a huge season ahead for him in the ISL. With the Steel Miners looking for a better outing in the ISL, the 26-year-old will be a pivotal figure at the heart of their midfield.