ISL: Are Jamshedpur FC too defensive with their approach?

Jamshedpur FC have looked cautious in their performances in the initial stages.

Jamshedpur FC began their Indian Super League 2023-24 season with a dry spell in front of goal, scoring only once in three games. Under new head coach Scott Cooper, JFC started the season with a goalless draw against East Bengal and lost by a solitary goal against Kerala Blasters. Playing away from home on both occasions, the side received a lot of praise for their defensive solidity but questions were raised about their mentality in the attacking third.

Jamshedpur FC finally secured their first win of the season against Hyderabad FC. However, the scoreline read 1-0 and the concerns surrounding their attacking prowess remained relevant. Many sections of JFC fans believe it to be an initial hiccup which comes with the arrival of new players and new management, where it takes time to find the perfect harmony. 

What are the numbers saying?

Statistics never lie and they do well to explain the lack of goals in Jamshedpur FC’s performance. During their opening fixture against East Bengal, JFC had eight shots off target and only one on target, suggesting poor precision and confidence in front of goal. The players were found to be lacking synergy amongst each other in the goalmouth area. 

The story was similar against Kerala Blasters. Despite building up from the back well, JFC showed a lacklustre performance in the final third. The side made 20 crosses but failed to secure a goal, as they sent five shots off target, more than their opponents yet again. The conversation after the game was that the side at least created chances but creating is not enough to grind out results in the ISL and they expectedly lost that game. 

Playing at home against a struggling Hyderabad FC was a more favourable starting position for JFC in their third game of the season. However, the Men of Steel saw nine shots going off target in that game and finished with only 37% possession. Safe to say, they were slightly lucky to win that contest.

Safety-first approach?

Scott Cooper is not at fault for focusing on the defensive side of things as the side needed to stop leaking goals, an affliction during the previous season. However, being too cautious has infected the mentality of the players who are not playing aggressively and let the opposition have too much of the ball. For example, allowing HFC to maintain a 67% ball possession at the Furnace. 

This is less a tactical issue and more a mentality concern. Individuals like Elsinho have shone brightly in the initial games due to a solid defensive display. But players like Alen Stevanovic, Nongdamba Naorem, Rei Tachikawa and the rest need to be more prolific in front of goal. 

If Jamshedpur FC are looking to secure the ISL playoff qualification at the end of the league stage, then they must start playing on the front foot. The fans have seen promising performances defensively, but there is a lot of room for improvement when it comes to attack.