Match Details: Jamshedpur FC vs FC Goa
Venue: The Furnace
Time: 5:30 pm
Steve Coppell has learnt during this season that a good performance does not necessarily result in a win. Reflecting on the end of the away fixture against Chennaiyin FC, where great performance got his team only a single point after Mohammed Rafi’s late header brought the scores level. “After 88 minutes to a certain extent it’s random chance. The ball goes in, it could have gone to one of ours, instead it went to one of theirs,” the Gaffer reflected, as he admitted two points in that game would’ve helped Jamshedpur FC into a stronger position going into this match.
“For quite a while it has looked in the fixtures as if this was going to be the critical match of the season. And so be it.” The coach insists he would have it no other way, as his club have embraced the expectations of this high stakes fixture. A win would launch Jamshedpur FC into the play-off stage, but a draw or loss will see us miss out on the next stage.
The gaffer was quizzed on his thoughts before the game, and he insisted the task at hand was extremely clear cut. “There is only one way we can hope to play within the course of what will be 100 minutes, we’ve got to win the game to qualify for the semi-finals. Simple,” Coppell added as he emphasized the importance of this fixture.
The coach does not expect any players to miss out. “I don’t think there are problems that will prevent any players from playing,” Coppell commented on the fitness issues in the side.
On their upcoming opponents, the gaffer concedes they have talented offensive players and their relentless attacking could cause problems to them. “FC Goa are probably the most attractive team going forward in the league. They have some terrific players, they are a team made to go forward.” Said Coach Coppell, about Sergio Lobera’s side, but also said their defense leaves a weakness for his side to exploit. “The criticism I suppose about FC Goa would be about their defense. So, it’s fairly defined what we have to do tomorrow.”
