A season ago, Jamshedpur FC were languishing in 11th place in the Indian Super League (ISL) table, enduring a campaign that fans would rather forget. Fast forward to the present and they’re gearing up for the ISL 2024-25 playoffs. The Men of Steel have proved that comebacks aren’t just for the dying minutes of a game but they can happen over entire seasons too.

Under Khalid Jamil, the team orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds after a mid-season slump. Finishing fifth with 38 points, level with third-placed Bengaluru FC and fourth-placed NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC have not only silenced their critics but also proven they belong in the playoffs.

A smooth start

At the start of the season, expectations were low. Other teams had strengthened significantly and Jamshedpur FC, coming off a disastrous 2023-24 campaign, didn’t exactly scream "playoff contenders." Jamil had been in charge of the team for only half a season, and while his tactical nous was never in question, there was uncertainty over how quickly he could produce results.

Then came opening day. Jamshedpur FC announced their arrival in style, defeating FC Goa. They won four of their first five games, with a lone away defeat to Odisha FC being the only blemish. The Men of Steel weren’t just playing to their strengths; they were playing with confidence. Suddenly, the team that no one expected much from was among the early pacesetters.

Bouncing back from mid-season blues

Momentum is a tricky thing in football. Just when it seemed like Jamshedpur FC were in for a dream campaign, the wheels started to come off. A crushing defeat to NorthEast United FC was followed by a shocking 5-1 home loss to Chennaiyin FC, an unusually heavy scoreline for a Jamil-led team. If that wasn’t bad enough, a defeat to Mohun Bagan Super Giant had the alarm bells ringing.

For a moment, it looked like Jamshedpur FC were spiraling towards another finish in the bottom half of the table. But this is where Jamil showed his true worth. He steadied the ship, making key tactical adjustments and instilling belief in his squad. What followed was an incredible run that included seven wins in ten matches, with just two defeats.

Jamshedpur FC turned their home ground into a fortress, going unbeaten at the JRD Tata Sports Complex during this period. They won five of their six home games, with only Mohun Bagan Super Giant managing to escape with a draw. The team was defending resolutely, attacking with purpose, and picking up wins against top teams.

Not the best finish

With momentum on their side, Jamshedpur FC were even in contention for a top-two finish, which would have given them a direct ticket to the semi-finals. But football can be cruel. The team hit another rough patch, winning just one of their last six games that included a narrow victory against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting Club.

Four defeats in that period cost them dearly. They had to settle for fifth place, losing the opportunity to play a one-legged playoff tie at home, meaning they would now face NorthEast United FC in Guwahati in a do-or-die clash.

Jamshedpur FC’s journey to the playoffs has been shaped by hard work and fighting spirit. But heading into the knockout stage, there are a few concerns.

Defensively, they haven’t been as solid as a typical Jamil team. In fact, they finished the league stage with the joint-second worst defensive record in terms of goals conceded, a stat that doesn’t quite fit their reputation as a disciplined, well-drilled unit.

On the flip side, their ability to grind out results has been key. Their tally of 12 wins was the third-best in the league, proving that they know how to get the job done.

Jamshedpur FC now face NorthEast United FC in the playoffs which will be a massive challenge, especially given their recent form. The match will be held in Guwahati, meaning they’ll have to do it the hard way, without the advantage of playing in their home ground.

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Jamshedpur FC this season, it’s that they can never be counted out. They have already defied expectations by making it this far, and with Jamil at the helm, they have tools and fighting spirit to take on anyone.

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Jamshedpur FC2024-2025