ISL: Jamshedpur's dogged defence ready to face league leader Chennaiyin

Jamshedpur, Dec 27: Steve Coppells robust defensive organisation has made Jamshedpur FC a tough, if not the most exciting, team in their debut Indian Super League (ISL) season.

The Englishman's side is currently sixth on the table with nine points. And such is the congestion at the top of the standings that a positive result against Chennaiyin FC on Thursday will leave them only a point behind the league leaders.

Jamshedpur FC haven't scored many goals but, at the same time, they have been really miserly at the back. They have only lost once so far, and have ground out three draws to go with the two wins.

Considering the fact that Jamshedpur FC are playing their first ISL season, Coppell has been very pragmatic in his approach.

Talking about his team's inability to score too many goals and their style of play during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Coppell said the team has to think of long-term goals and make sure it doesn't end up in a disastrous position at the end of the season.

"It is obvious from the number of games we have played and the goals that we have scored. But it's not for lack of trying. We are, as always, working very hard on the training field. And we try and score more goals," Coppell said.

"It is the main objective in football. But we have not conceded many goals. There is not just one way of being successful at football. Thankfully there are many. Maybe it's not the same as everyone else but we are doing fine for now," he added.

Jamshedpur FC will be without first-choice centre-back Anas Edathodika yet again due to injury but star midfielder Mehtab Hossain is fit and ready to feature in Thursday's clash with Chennaiyin FC at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur.

"Mehtab Hossain is fit but Anas is not fit yet. He is getting some treatment on his leg. He will be back with us today (Wednesday) and we'll hopefully be able to incorporate him back into the squad," Coppell said.

After having to share points in the 'Southern Derby' against Kerala FC, Chennaiyin FC will be looking to stretch their lead at the top of the table with a win over Jamshedpur. The John Gregory side is currently leading the pack with 13 points from seven games.

But the Chennaiyin coach knows it's not going to be an easy game against his fellow Englishman's team. "It is not going to be an easy game. They have proved to be a very difficult side to beat. They haven't scored many goals but they haven't conceded many either. I know Steve (Coppell) well. He has got his side well drilled," Gregory said.

--IANS

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