Coppell content with goalless draw; Meluensteen stays optimistic

Both managers heaped praised on former Manchester United goalkeeper Paul Rachubka.

If not for Paul Rachubka’s fantastic save in the dying minutes of the second half, former Kerala Blasters midfielder Kervens Belfort would have gifted Jamshedpur FC their first win in Indian Super League. But his manager Steve Coppell was happy to share the points with the hosts.

“I thought we played well, (we) had moments where we could have been better- from an attacking point of view. We possibly had more shots, they certainly had more possession. Their goalkeeper made an exceptional save at the end. Overall I am really happy with what went on,” said Coppell.

Though veteran midfielder Mehtab Hossain went toe-to-toe with Dimitar Berbatov all evening, the Jamshedpur FC boss said they only wanted to “harass” the Bulgarian.

“In the first 15-20 minutes Berbatov drifted into positions that I just wasn’t happy with. I thought we just have to close him down. He and Mehtab had an interesting tussle all night. What we have to do was harass him as much as possible; so that he couldn’t receive the ball and pick passes.”  

Coppell added that he was pleased with the performances of Memo and Gonclaves.

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"When we score that first goal I am sure things will improve- Rene Muelensteen

Kerala Blasters coach Rene Muelensteen demanded improvement after another goalless draw at home. He hailed Paul Rachubka for denying Jamshedpur from taking all three points.  

“We need to up the speed of play, switch the play quicker, get in better areas to cross the ball earlier and create more shooting opportunities,” said Meulensteen.

The 53-year-old felt his side didn’t do enough to upset Jamshedpur's rhythm. “It’s really a matter of having to break them down and get the first goal. We had one good opportunity in the first half and if that would have go in, at some point in the game they would have had to change something.” 

He is keen to ensure fans get their money’s worth and believes the first goal will increase the team’s confidence.

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“The fans deserve a good round of football, lots of chances and hopefully goals. When we score that first goal I am sure things will improve,” he added.