ATK registered their first win in this season of Indian Super League (ISL) when they beat Delhi Dynamos 2-1 away from home. It was a welcome relief for coach Steve Coppell after a disappointing start to the tournament with two defeats from their first two fixtures.
Steve Coppell managed Jamshedpur to a fifth-place finish in their debut ISL season and the Englishman is proud of his work at his former club.
"It's great to be back (in Jamshedpur). I am very proud of what we did last year, even though we did not make the playoffs. It was a great achievement for a new franchise and I look forward to the game tomorrow (Sunday). I would like to wish them well obviously, except on (Sunday). I said that it is just a matter of time before they become successful and I still believe that.
"Although it has just been two games they (Jamshedpur) have made a solid start. We will be looking to press forward as well. It is a good challenge for us and we will look to pick up three points. Our strategy is to play and win. We have not come here for a draw but only to win," stated the British tactician.
Andrey Bikey has returned from injury and could possibly play a part in tomorrow's match.
Jamshedpur was criticized for the poor playing surface in the previous season and the management has worked hard to get it in place this time around.
"The pitch was not up to the mark for the first three games in the previous season. But I think there will be no complaints about the pitch tomorrow," said Coppell.
The former Kerala Blasters coach accepted that he is yet to find the best possible starting lineup and is still working to find the best combination.
"I tinkered with a few positions in our previous match. Jayesh had an ankle problem. I chose not to play him from the start. Again, I will take a call on him tomorrow (Sunday). No team has got a fixed XI as it is just the start. You just hope to play your best game and get a good result.
"Balwant is a goal scorer and it was good to see him back on the goal trail. You have to juggle with your foreign players and the domestic players to get the best out of them. We will make some changes tomorrow (Sunday) as well just to get to the optimum from what we have," explained Coppell.
Komal Thatal put in an impressive shift against Dynamos and the coach indicated that he might be fielded again on Sunday.
"Komal was excellent on the pitch. As he was not involved for the first couple of games he was a bit tired and I decided to put Jayesh on. It is a close call between those players. But Komal is fresh now, he is comfortable with the ball and we will make a call tomorrow," signed off Coppell.
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