Jamshedpur, February 2: Last year's ISL semi-finalists Jamshedpur FC will take on Sreenidhi Deccan FC in their first friendly match on February 5th at Flatelet as the Men of Steel continue preparations for the upcoming Indian Super League campaign.

The fixture will mark Jamshedpur FC’s first match under head coach Owen Coyle since his return to the club and is expected to play a key role in assessing the squad’s readiness ahead of the new season. With limited time in pre-season, the friendly will offer the coaching staff an early opportunity to evaluate player fitness, tactical understanding and combinations on the pitch.

Sreenidhi Deccan FC, based in Hyderabad, are a competitive side with a growing reputation in Indian football. Known for their organised approach and emphasis on youth development, Sreenidhi Deccan have been regular contenders in domestic competitions and provide a challenging test for teams preparing for the top tier. Their disciplined structure and physical style are expected to pose a good benchmark for Jamshedpur FC at this stage of preparation.

For Coyle and his staff, the match will be less about the result and more about implementing ideas, managing minutes, and observing how quickly players adapt to the demands of his system. Having resumed training recently, the squad is gradually building intensity, and the friendly will help bridge the gap between training ground work and competitive match conditions.

Jamshedpur FC, who reached the ISL semi-finals last season, will be looking to build momentum and rhythm as they fine-tune preparations, with the encounter against Sreenidhi Deccan FC serving as an important first step in their pre-season journey.