JOIN USIt will be a test of debutant Jamshedpur FC's robust defensive structure when they take on leaders Chennaiyin FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) match, here on Thursday.
Steve Coppell's robust defensive organisation has made Jamshedpur FC a tough, if not the most exciting, team in their debut 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 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 eked out three draws with the two wins.
Considering the fact that Jamshedpur 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 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. It is the main objective in football. But we have not conceded many goals," Coppell said.
"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 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.
After having shared points in the 'Southern Derby' against Kerala Blasters, Chennaiyin will be looking to stretch their lead at the top of the table with a win over Jamshedpur.