ISL 2022-23: Because of Owen Coyle, I have reached this far – Laldinliana Renthlei

Jamshedpur FC full-back Laldinliana Renthlei has given credit to the team’s former coach Owen Coyle for his recent rise. The 23-year-old from Mizoram had also played under the tutelage of Coyle while plying his trade for Chennaiyin FC.

Meanwhile, Dinliana, as he is famously known, made a move to Chennaiyin FC in 2018 but didn’t get a lot of chances while playing under John Gregory. However, the youngster was moved up in the pecking order when Owen Coyle took over the reins of Marina Machans.

Subsequently, Coyle moved to Red Miners in 2020 and he played a key role in roping in Dinliana to the club. Jamshedpur FC was able to come up with a great performance as they won the League Shield after beating ATK Mohun Bagan by 1-0 on the final day of the league stage.

Dinliana said while talking to Sportskeeda in an exclusive interview, “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 continued, “When he came in at Chennaiyin, he motivated me a lot and asked me to lead a disciplined life off the field. He also asked me to enjoy myself while playing.”

Dinliana also revealed Owen Coyle’s message when the Scot was leaving the club.

He said, “First of all, he motivated me and asked me to work hard. When he was leaving, he told me to look after my injury and asked me to come back stronger.”

The youngster added that winning the League Shield was the peak of his career and he will always cherish the moment.

He added, “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.”