Jamshedpur FC is raring to go, says coach Coppell

Indian Super League debutant Jamshedpur FC is raring to go, says head coach Steve Coppell ahead of his side's clash against NorthEast United FC.

Published : Nov 17, 2017 22:00 IST , GUWAHATI

Jamshedpur FC coach Steve Coppell addresses the media on the eve of his side's match against NorthEast United FC.
Jamshedpur FC coach Steve Coppell addresses the media on the eve of his side's match against NorthEast United FC.
lightbox-info

Jamshedpur FC coach Steve Coppell addresses the media on the eve of his side's match against NorthEast United FC.

Hoping that his players will be able to express themselves properly, Jamshedpur FC head coach Steve Coppell said his team is looking to make the ISL debut on a positive note.

“We have been preparing for six –seven weeks and we are now just raring to go,” Coppell said ahead of his team’s opener against North East United FC. “As a new franchise we are looking ahead to the challenge. Sometimes it is good to begin with a blank sheet of paper, again sometimes it is a hindrance,” he added.

READ: Jamshedpur brings pedigree to the table

Coppell said the pre-season had been devoted in ensuring that the players start in the right frame of mind. “As a build up to the match the focus has been on creating an environment where the players can get on the field and express themselves properly,” Coppell said adding that the challenge will be bigger as the side starts ‘away’ against a very good side like NEUFC.

When asked about his selection of players, Coppell said he went into the team building process with an eye on having players with previous ISL experience. “When I was trying to compile the list of foreigners, I was conscious about the fact that we needed players who played in the previous ISL seasons. I looked for players who are used to the conditions. It was not about picking players from ATK or (Kerala) Blasters, I was looking for a blend that would be best suited to meet the challenges in the Indian conditions,” Coppell said.

ALSO READ: NorthEast United better than ever, says Lalthlamuana

North East United FC’s philosophy was best reflected in the words of its captain Rober Lalthlamuana. “This is the time to show that we can do well. This is the time to pull up our socks and go for everything,” said Robert, who made a move from ATK, said while insisting that NEUFC’s main target will be to make it to the play-offs.

“The coordination between the Indian players will be good as most of them are from the North Eastern region. That betters the dressing room atmosphere. We also had a good pre-season in Turkey and that also helped us in developing a good communication in the team,” he said.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment