Jamshedpur FC host Kerala Blasters FC in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur on Wednesday. The league debutants are on a poor run of form, as their solid defence has come undone in the last few games. They have leaked two goals in each of their previous two fixtures while the team is also winless in their previous three.

Their head coach Steve Coppell welcomed his former team to Jamshedpur for the first time and addressed the media ahead of the clash. A major talking point has been the quality of refereeing, and the Englishman opined that it was not up to the standard.

“I think at the moment the referees are being found wanting,” Coppell said. “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?”

Furthermore, when asked if the poor decision-making could affect the quality of the league, the 62-year-old responded in the affirmative, but also trusted the league to come up with solutions. “Will it affect the quality of the league? If it continues, then yes,” Coppell stated. “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.”

About his former side Kerala, Coppell acknowledged the fact that last year’s finalists were a rejuvenated lot. “Well, they (Kerala Blasters FC) have won two back-to-back games and drawn one prior to that against Pune,” the former Manchester United winger said. “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.”

Coppell also added that his team were eager for a home win against a passionately supported Blasters side. “It’s a game we are desperate to win at home,” he admitted. “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.”

However, he had some worrying news as far as injuries were concerned. “We have a few injuries which will determine the team in the last minute,” Coppell revealed. “We have Anas (Edathodika) 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, (we have) a few last-minute decisions to be made.”