XtraTime Web Desk: Jamshedpur FC will be eyeing to turn things around at their home ground when they will face a rejuvenated ATK on Sunday. Surprisingly ATK is currently managed by Steve Coppell who was Jamshedpur’s former manager.
Last season under Coppell his former side only won three matches at home out of nine matches and missed the play-off spot by a whisker.
“It’s great to be back. I am very proud of what we did last year, even though we did not make the play-offs. It was a great achievement for a new franchise and I look forward to the game tomorrow,” Coppell said at the pre match press-conference.
Jamshedpur is doing well this season under their new boss Cesar Ferrando as they played well in their first two matches which were both away from home. At first they defeated Mumbai City FC 2-0 and later played out a fascinating 2-2 draw against Bengaluru FC.
“ATK are a good a team. Their team has improved from the first match and they have a good coach. The ATK game, for me, is the most important match of the season. We will try our best. We need to play like a team and I am sure we can win tomorrow,” Ferrando stated.
“Steve (Coppell) did a good job when he was here. He knows a lot of the players. I hope in front of him, we play well,” he added.
On the other hand ATK faced a poor start as they lost their first two games in the cash rich league but later thay bounced back against Delhi Dynamos in the third game where they won 2-1.
Coppell’s teams are usually solid at the back but John Johnson and Gerson Vieira are yet to hit the peak of their form after three games. The win against Delhi Dynamos, however, helped their forwards regain confidence.
Balwant Singh and Noussair El Maimouni both scored against Delhi in the last game, beside them Lanzarote looked to be back to his best. Kalu Uche was also instrumental in linking up attacks up front.
“Although it has just been two games, they (Jamshedpur) have made a solid start. We will be looking to press forward as well. It is a good challenge for us. We will look to pick up points,” stated Coppell.