Owen Coyle feels scoring first is crucial to win against his former side Chennaiyin FC

Jamshedpur are winless against Marina Machans for seven games

The JRD Tata Sports Complex is all set to host a thrilling contest of Matchweek 10 as home team Jamshedpur FC gears up to lock horns with Chennaiyin FC, who are unbeaten in their last two games.

The Marina Machans ran riot in their last visit to the Furnace when Owen Coyle led Chennaiyin to humiliate the home team to win the game 5-1. But the tables have turned, and the former Burnley and Bolton Wanderers gaffer switched his allegiance to Jamshedpur for his second stint in the Steel City.

Jamshedpur FC are already winless in their last five games. After a strong start to the new season, Jamshedpur dropped easy points, and after playing three draws against Mohun Bagan, Mumbai and Delhi, they suffered an away defeat to Ashley Westwood-led Kerala Blasters in their last game.

Facing Chennaiyin FC has been nothing less than a nightmare for the Red Miners, who have suffered heavy defeats in this fixture, and the last time they won a game against Chennai was back in their Shield-winning season in 2022. Since then, Chennai have been unbeaten against Jamshedpur FC.

Ahead of the big game against Chennai, head coach Owen Coyle and goalkeeper Albino Gomes briefed the media about the team’s preparations and how they plan to get the better of Chennaiyin FC.

Scoring first has been a concern for Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur have conceded first in every single one of their last five games, and that has seen them chasing the game rather than holding on to the lead. The late equalisers against Mumbai, Mohun Bagan and Delhi did salvage a point, but they have been winless since the last five games.

“We must stop gifting opponents the lead. The biggest pressure we face is the pressure we put on ourselves because we want to win every game. Even last week in Kerala, we controlled a lot but lost due to poor defensive goals. For the last few games, we’ve been chasing after going behind.”

“Margins in the ISL are razor-thin. We need to score first and dictate games instead of always chasing. We’re excited to be back at the Furnace. Our fans have been brilliant, and we want to make them smile. That starts with a strong start and not gifting opponents the lead.”

Madih Talal’s availability is a big relief for Owen

No wonder Madih Talal’s absence was felt massively by Jamshedpur. The French talisman is unarguably one of the most technically sound players in the league, who can unlock defences and create chances. After facing fitness issues, he is back in the team, and Owen feels this is an optimistic sight.

“Madih should get more minutes than last week. He played a bit longer than planned, then, but came through well and trained strongly this week. He looks in better shape now. He’s done very well in training. It’s a good selection problem because we have quality players.”

Coyle has lot of respect for two time ISL champions and his former club

It will be a nostalgic affair at the Furnace as Owen Coyle and Sandy Stewart will be up against their former side, Chennaiyin FC. Apart from that, both teams have players who have played for each other in many games, including Imran Khan, Lazar Cirkovic, Laldinpuia, Dinliana, Farkh Chaudhary, Elsinho and Germanpreet.

“We know Chennaiyin are tough opponents with real quality. They’ve been inconsistent but have some outstanding players, and it’s a big club. We have to respect their threat and be at our best.”

“We love playing at the Furnace — the atmosphere, the fans, the energy. We want to send them home happy, and the only way to do that is by staying focused, playing our football, using our wingers, and putting the ball in the net. Because that’s the best sight in football.”

Albino is expecting positive result against Chennaiyin

The Goa-born custodian recently got a national team call-up. He played a crucial role in propelling Jamshedpur to the Super Cup Finals and the ISL Semi-Finals. However, he has failed to keep a clean sheet in the last five games and will be hoping for a positive result tomorrow.

“It’s a team effort from striker to goalkeeper. Conceding first makes it tough because the opponents grow in confidence and settle quickly. If we score first, we control the game. Our target for the next match is to get an early goal and manage the match from there.”

“There’s pressure, but it’s good pressure. Everyone, including staff and players, has worked very hard in training. Now we need to take that intensity into the game tomorrow. If we give our best on the pitch, the result will follow.”

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