Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle expects a tough game against Manolo Marquez's FC Goa at the Furnace

FC Goa will play Jamshedpur FC away from home

With every game, we are inching closer to the business end of the ISL 2025-26 season, and now every point matters, every goal counts, and every save can very well go on to determine the fate of the league. The JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur is all set to host FC Goa and the home team, Jamshedpur FC.

The Red Miners were one of the prime contenders to win the ISL Shield after winning every single one of their first few games. But a series of winless runs against teams like NorthEast, SC Delhi and Kerala Blasters saw them dropping easy points, which have massively affected their title ambitions.

But Jamshedpur are back to winning ways after getting the better of Chennaiyin FC in the last game.

Ahead of the big game against FC Goa, Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle and player Nikola Stojanovic briefed the media about the team’s preparations.

Coyle on FC Goa’s Indian players

The Gaurs have done an exceptional job of nurturing and fostering homegrown players like Brison and many more.

Manolo Marquez is playing with just two foreign players and has still managed to perform well, and the Gaurs are one of the top contenders for the ISL Shield race now.

Coyle said, “We enjoyed the result and the performance, but that game is behind us now. Our full focus is on FC Goa. They are a very good side with an outstanding coach in Manolo. They have invested heavily and have quality Indian internationals and experienced players like Sandesh at the back. We respect them, but when we perform at our best, we know we can win. We will take it one game at a time and aim for three points.”

On trusting the youngsters

The former Sreenidi Deccan player made his second start of the season and went on to give two assists against Chennaiyin in the last game.

Similar scenes unfolded when young Puia is given more game time to improve and play under high-pressure situations.

Owen Coyle said, “It’s very important. Players like Rosenberg and Puia have come in and done well, but they must maintain consistency. That’s where experienced players like Nikola help guide them. It’s not about one or two good games as it’s about performing week in, week out.”

Coyle feels winning is more important than GD

Jamshedpur FC have not lost a single game to any team in the top eight currently. They are ahead of East Bengal, Punjab FC and Inter Kashi in head-to-head.

But the margins are fine, and since JFC drew games against Mumbai and Mohun Bagan, it might boil down to goal difference as well.

Coyle added, “There is always pressure to win every game. We represent the club and the city, so we take that responsibility seriously. Our intent is always to win, and we will continue to give our best in every match. The focus is on winning games. Head-to-head matters first, and goal difference comes later. We don’t think too much about that; we just aim to win each match.”

Stojanovic on home advantage

Jamshedpur FC have played the majority of their ISL games at home this season. Nikola, who is a fan favourite in the Steel City, is often found passionately celebrating with the fans.

He feels that the Red Miners must make the most of their home advantage and clinch all three points against the Gaurs.

Stojanovic said, “Every match is tough, especially in a short season. The key for us is unity, hard work, and maintaining good energy. Playing at home with our fans is a big advantage. If we approach the game as we did in the last match, we can get a good result.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.