ISL 2025-26: "First and foremost, we must win our game and reach 24 points", Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle feels Red Miners can win the ISL title

Five teams including Jamshedpur FC are still in contention for ISL Shield

Who would have thought in their wildest dreams that amid uncertainties revolving around Indian football and in a constricted ISL season like this, where there are no playoffs for the first time, the title race would go down to the wire until the final day with five teams in contention.

Jamshedpur FC are coming after a defeat to Bengaluru FC, and that has made things worse for their title hopes. But mathematically, they are still alive, but would rely upon the results of the other game.

Ahead of the big game against Odisha FC next, head coach Owen Coyle and captain Stephen Eze briefed the media about their team’s preparation and how they are not leaving any stone unturned to win the next game against Odisha FC, no matter how slim the chances are.

Owen on Jamshedpur’s title hopes

Jamshedpur firstly need to win their game against Odisha FC to reach 24 points. The game against Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC must end in a draw. Most importantly, the Kolkata sides must drop points tomorrow. Luckily, JFC are ahead of both teams in head-to-head, leaving them as the table toppers.

Coyle said, “First and foremost, we must win our game and reach 24 points. If we do that and the match between Punjab FC and Mumbai City FC ends in a draw, we finish above both teams. For us to become champions, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC do not need to lose, they simply must not win.”

“If both of their matches end in draws, all three teams would finish on 24 points, and we would top the head-to-head standings. We have four points in those head-to-head matches, Mohun Bagan have two, and East Bengal have one.”

On the defeat against Bengaluru and Messi Bouli

Had Jamshedpur won the last game, they would have been one of the favourites to win the ISL Shield tomorrow. A defeat against the Blues cost them the ISL Shield. Raphael Messi has also been under scrutiny after failing to deliver for the Red Miners.

Coyle said, “It was frustrating because we did not deserve to lose. We created enough chances to win the game comfortably. But football can be cruel. The positive is that this is a terrific group to work with. They are honest, hardworking and resilient. It was not difficult to lift them because they knew how well they performed. Our focus is now entirely on winning the final game.”

“Messi Bouli has worked incredibly hard for the team. He sacrifices himself and gives everything in every match. Naturally, he would like to score more goals, and I believe there are more goals to come from him. But football is always about the collective, not one individual.”

On Odisha FC and biggest learning from the season

Odisha FC have nothing to lose from this game. They are immune to the relegation zone, but even a draw against the Red Miners can destroy their Shield hopes. Overall, it was a really good season for Jamshedpur FC, who are still alive in the title race.

Coyle added, “Odisha FC have some very good players, especially in attack. Rahim Ali, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Rahul KP and Puitea are all talented players, and they also have some exciting young talent. We respect their quality, but our focus is entirely on winning the game. That is what we need to do.”

“We need to be more clinical. We create a lot of chances, but we must convert more of them. This is a squad I inherited, and the players have been outstanding in terms of their attitude and effort. We already have a strong domestic core signed for next season, and we will look to add the right pieces, particularly in attack, to make the team even stronger.”

Captain Eze asks fans to fill the Furnace tomorrow

This could be one of the most miraculous games in the history of the ISL. Tomorrow, Jamshedpur can script history, and ahead of the big game, captain Eze has urged fans to come in large numbers and fill the Furnace in the big game against Odisha FC.

He said, “I want to say a very big thank you to the fans. Even when we could not deliver the results they wanted, they continued to support us. This is the last game of the season, and we ask them to come out in full force and stand behind the team one more time.”

Coach Owen also said, “Come in your numbers. Bring your families and make the Furnace special once again. Our supporters have been incredible all season. Their energy and passion mean everything to us.”

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