Results over records says Jamshedpur FC coach Owen Coyle ahead of ISL 2025-26 clash against NorthEast United FC

Red Miners won their last game with ten men

The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati is all set to host the first match of the new season of the Indian Super League as home team NorthEast United FC are set to lock horns against joint table toppers Jamshedpur FC

The Highlanders completed their season double over the Red Miners in the league phase last season, including a 5-0 win. But Khalid Jamil-led Red Miners had the last laugh after they knocked out the Highlanders in the ISL knockouts to make it to their second-ever semi-finals.

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

Owen Coyle feels playing away games in Northeast is never easy

NorthEast home games attract big crowds, whether it be the ISL or IFL, and it is very challenging for away teams to play in those conditions. This stadium remains a special one for Jamshedpur FC as they made their ISL debut here 9 years ago back in 2017 and Coyle would love to take all three points from here.

Owen Coyle said, “Every game in the ISL is a difficult challenge, whether at home or away. We recovered well after playing nearly 80 minutes with ten men in the last match. The players showed discipline, determination and a winning mentality. Now we look forward to another tough game against NorthEast United FC, who have very good players and an outstanding coach.”

Owen Coyle added, “They are a very organised team who don’t give much away. We must take care of the ball, move it quickly and be more clinical when chances come. Away matches are always challenging, but we are confident if we perform at our best.”

Coyle feels winning matters more than individual accolades

Despite Jamshedpur FC winning every single game so far, there have been questions over the form of their attacking unit as players like Sanan, Messi Bouli and Nikola Stojanovic are yet to score any goals so far. Coyle, however, feels that football is a team game where collective team efforts are more important.

Owen Coyle said, “Not at all. Football is a team game. Players like Madih Talal and Messi Bouli have been outstanding for us in terms of overall contribution. Winning matches is more important than individual goal tallies, and this group has shown great togetherness.”

Coyle feels previous wins don’t matter much and is focused on winning next game

Jamshedpur FC have won four out of their four games, but Coyle feels that past wins don’t matter much. He feels that the next two away games are crucial, and he wants to take all six points before returning home to face Mohun Bagan.

Coyle said, “Momentum is vital in football. The wins we achieved are in the past now. Our focus is entirely on the next game and trying to earn that winning feeling again.”

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