Being the foreign striker for Kerala Blasters is no easy feat. The team’s latest recruit, Jesus Jimenez, is ready to step up and deliver the goals and assists that the Yellow Army craves as they chase Indian Super League glory. The Spaniard, tasked with filling the shoes of last season’s Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos, is clear about his priorities: team triumph over individual achievements.
“Yes, I know about last season’s striker (Diamantakos). I am very happy for him. But, I’ve come here to help the team in every way possible. It will be good if I win the Golden Boot, but, of course, the most important thing is the team,” Jimenez shared in an exclusive interview with The Hindu.
Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys had a challenging task finding the perfect No. 9 in the transfer window, leaving fans anxious as the season approached. Jimenez’s arrival was announced by KBFC on August 30, just two weeks before the ISL opener. However, instead of dwelling on the lost time, Jimenez is focused on adapting to Indian conditions and integrating his game into manager Mikael Stahre’s strategy.
“Joining a new league in another country is always difficult as different leagues have different requirements. The humidity and the temperature here can be tough on players and I have to adapt to it as quickly as possible. “Everything is new for everyone when playing under a new coach. It is the gaffer’s decision where I have to play and I will do the best I can in whatever position he puts me in the field,” Jimenez added.
Jimenez highlights the passionate Kerala fan base as a key factor in his decision to join Blasters. “I’ve come here as I can also be a part of the big fan-base in Kerala. For me, it is always amazing to play for the fans because it is one of the reasons I became a football player. I’ve played in Europe and America. So, this adventure in India is so exciting for me.” He experienced the fervor firsthand when he scored a late goal against Punjab FC, although it wasn’t enough for a draw as PFC secured a victory in the closing minutes.
With Blasters set to host Diamantakos’ East Bengal on Sunday, Jimenez downplays the added pressure of facing a team with a fierce rivalry. “My teammates have been explaining the rivalries in the league. But I am not going to look at which team I am facing. My aim is to help the side with assists or goals in every game,” he stated.
The former Atletico Madrid youth team striker reflects on the valuable lessons learned from playing alongside renowned stars like Lukas Podolski (Gornik Zabrze) and Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC). “I learnt a lot from Lukas and Lorenzo. It is difficult to explain in words as it is more like a feeling. A technical part would be how they scanned the field before they received the ball. I also grasped how they were helping their teammates and making the side better. Happy I got the opportunity to play with such players,” Jimenez added.
Blasters fans will have high expectations for Jimenez, hoping his global experience will contribute to the club’s quest for the elusive ISL crown in Kochi.
