Constantine fine-tuned my game, says Jeje as the coach praises him as a hardworking asset

JEJE LALPEKHLUA, who has turned into one of the most important players in the Indian national team, has come to praise coach Stephen Constantine for his success as a striker in the international stage.

Speaking to the AIFF official website, Jeje said that he owed Constantine a lot,

“Stephen Constantine has fine-tuned my movements inside the box. I owe him a lot. He has helped me regaining my confidence. He always stresses that hard work beats talent. I am a firm believer in that.”

The striker, who won the I-League with Mohun Bagan, ISL with Chennaiyin FC and the SAFF Championship with the Indian national team, said he understood what Constantine was trying to do with the national team, and knew how difficult it was to achieve that,

“It’s hard for the Coach to set up the Team in such a short duration. He doesn’t have much time. Playing in Iran will be tough. We need to take inspiration from our triumph in the SAFF Suzuki Cup and give or best.”

The Mizo player spoke of the struggles he went through on the way to get where he is today; and he mentioned all the people who had helped him stay on path,

“During my U-19 days I was injured for a long period. But Colm-Sir (Toal) persisted with me. He kept me in the Camp, didn’t allow me to move out and was patient. I was so much touched. That doesn’t happen with all your Coaches. Then in the first season in Indian Arrows, Desmond-Sir (Bulpin) used to work tirelessly with me to improve on my finishing. Working with them made me confident.”

Constantine, who has played Jeje regularly ever since he took over, said Jeje had earned his position in the national team,

“Jeje is willing to work hard. He is blessed with a good physique. He needed somebody to make him believe that he had the ability. He is a grinder and is an asset."