ISL 2023-24: We have to be satisfied but not happy – Jamshedpur FC’s Scott Cooper

Jamshedpur FC’s head coach Scott Cooper was satisfied but not happy after they played a goalless draw against East Bengal FC in their opening match of the ongoing Hero Indian Super League at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata, on Monday.

In fact, the visitors could only manage one shot on target and they only had 44% of possession. Jamshedpur FC also took a total of eight shots off target but he could not convert their chances.

Cooper was satisfied for getting a point while playing away from home in their opening match of the season but feels they should have taken more attempts at the goal, especially in the first half.

“When you play away from home, first game of the season, you keep a clean sheet, and you get a point. I don’t think you can grumble. That said, I think we have some big moments, some really good shooting moments — in the first half that we didn’t shoot. We just went for an extra pass, or extra twist, or a turn. So, we passed those opportunities,” Cooper stated in the post-match press conference.

“I think we have some big moments towards the end on the counter-attack that we just look like a team that just needs a little bit more time, a little bit more development. It’s a team that surely will improve as we get going. Some younger players there some new foreign players to the league. But generally, I think we have to be satisfied, but not happy,” he explained.

Brazilian defender Elsinho was brilliant for the tourists as he made a total of 11 clearances and kept the Red and Gold Brigade at bay.

“He’s (Elsinho) good in the air, he’s composed of the ball, he’s perfect as a middle guy in the back three. Pratik (Choudhary) and Dinpuia complimented him. And so he showed experience; he showed composure. And actually, I’m a little disappointed because I know he’s a real big threat from set piece. I think he was there or thereabouts; he just didn’t find his way to him,” Cooper praised.

Cooper was happy with the team’s defensive play but feels the players need to build more chemistry.

“As a coach, you have to be happy with the defensive display, but then think, okay, as we players get to know each other more because our players don’t really know each other that well. As we get to know each other more, they’ll understand the runs, the movements, and that becomes a little bit more fluid,” he further added.

Jamshedpur FC will next lock horns against Kerala Blasters FC at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on Sunday.