ISL 4: Jamshedpur test awaits Blasters

Jamshedpur: Kerala Blasters will look to continue their resurgence after a slow start when they take on Jamshedpur FC in their Indian Super League match here on Tuesday.

The Blasters, fresh from their 1-0 away win over Mumbai City FC, are riding high on striker Iain Hume’s good form after an initial struggle.

Recruiting David James as the head coach in place of Rene Muelensteen has helped Kerala return to form and how they fare against a defensive-minded Jamshedpur might determine the outcome of the match.

Under Steve Coppell, JFC have been very organised at the back.

Coppell said the standard of supervision has to improve for the game to run without any controversy.

“I think the referees have not been up to the mark on the evidence of their displays so far. They have been found wanting and there have been a lot of games which have been decided on big decisions and later proved to be questionable,” Coppell said ahead of the match on Tuesday.

Coppell acknowledged that there had been significant improvement in the Blasters since James joined as head coach.

“The preparation we would make for this team three weeks ago is different from the preparation we are making for them for tomorrow’s game. It’s also a game we are desperate to win,” he said.

James is yet to lose a game (one draw and two wins), sounded confident with his side’s form.

“The wins were vital. The match against Mumbai was physically and mentally draining. But confidence is high and we look forward to the match. It’s difficult to predict the side, but there is a lot of energy in Jamshedpur and we expect an energetic match,” he said.