ISL 2017-18: Jamshedpur FC coach Coppell wants his side to get a win at home vs KBFC

JAMSHEDPUR FC take on Kerala Blasters tonight at home and at the pre-match press conference, coach Steve Coppell addressed the ongoing referee issue in ISL,

"I think at the moment the referees are being found wanting. On the evidence of the displays so far, they have not come up to the mark. There has been an awful lot of games that have been decided by referee decisions which have later proved to be questionable. I personally am in favour of video review. Every game is televised with about ten to half a dozen cameras. Why don’t we make use of that technology? In an environment where the referees are under a lot of scrutiny, why don’t we use the replays to help the referees rather than prove them wrong in some of their decisions?"

When asked if the poor decision-making could affect the quality of the league he said,

"Will it affect the quality of the league? If it continues, then yes. It would be a season blighted by a lot of poor decisions. But I know that the league is trying to help the referees as much as possible. I know at the moment that a team of English referees have come to support the Indian referees. So, steps are being taken. And referees do need support. They need as much advice and quality briefing as is available, to make sure that they give their best performance as well."

Talking about his opponents and former team KBFC, he said,

"Well, they have won two back-to-back games and drawn one prior to that against Pune. And in the three games David James has had a significant impact. The nature of the team is different. So, the preparation we might have made three weeks ago is different from the preparation we need to make for this team."

He also stressed upon that his team is looking to get a win at home tonight.

"It’s a game we are desperate to win at home. So, we are preparing to play against a top-quality side who are well organized. The drive within my team is such at the moment, it’s a priority for them to win a game at home in front of our own fans. It should be a great atmosphere because Kerala will bring a lot of supporters with them. So, I’m hoping it will be a fabulous atmosphere and a great game for everyone to watch."

Sharing some injury updates, he said,

"We have a few injuries which will determine the team in the last minute. We have Anas back in the squad. He had a family issue for the last couple of games. So, having him back is a real bonus. But recently, he has not trained a great deal. So, I’ve got to make a call on whether he is fit to be available. So a few last-minute decisions to be made."

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