Happy to be back in Kochi but I'm now here to do the job for somebody else, says Jamshedpur coach Coppell

JAMSHEDPUR FC might be looking for their first win in ISL after a draw in the opening match as they take on Kerala Blasters away from home tonight.

Coach Steve Coppell who knows the conditions in Kochi states that it's too early in the season to assess any team at the moment.

"I think it’s too early to analyse both the teams. The season is just one game old, and it’s very much question of all the teams trying to find their feet. So, I think that’s certainly the case with both Kerala and Jamshedpur. We have both played one game, but I think it is only after about three or four games that you will have an idea of the character of your squad and how capable they are going forward. So, at the moment, it’s just a question of wait and see," he said at the pre-match press conference.

Talking about playing in Kochi, he said,

"I’m very happy to be back in Kochi in many ways. To see so many of my old players, to see the town, the stadium; it brings back a lot of happy memories for me from last season. I’m glad to be here. The reception I have had so far from the people I have seen walking on the streets has been lovely. It’s nice to be remembered, but it’s a new season, and I am here to do the job for somebody else."

Medio and senior player Mehtab Hossain played for KBFC in the previous seasons and this time he'll be playing against them. Talking about the same, coach said,

"The familiarity of knowing what he can do, is the reason I took him. It’s a bit strange for a foreign coach when it comes to the Indian player draft, because there are certain players you do know, because you have worked with them and you need advice from the people around you. When it came to our Indian player draft, we had specific targets. We had early choices, because as a new club, we didn’t have any retained players. We made our selections early on, and we just padded the core."

Talking about defender Anas Edathodika, who was the joint-most expensive player in the draft, coach Coppell said,

"I saw him last year in the ISL. He’s a good, strong character, and as a defender, he likes defending. So, they would be the qualities we would be looking for. He has a strong mentality as well, so I hope he plays his natural game and continues to play like he has for the last couple of years."

Talking about his opponents KBFC, he said,

"Rene is a really nice bloke who knows his football. I know he has had help from close-by in terms of the selection of his players. It looks a very healthy squad to me, and I’m sure that they are capable of making a big impact on the league this season."

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