Jamshedpur FC interim head coach Scott Cooper urged fans to unite and create a true furnace-like atmosphere at the JRD Tata Sports Complex when they face Hyderabad FC in Jamshedpur on Thursday.

The Men of Steel started their campaign with a goalless draw against East Bengal FC but fell short against Kerala Blasters FC in the following game. Despite this setback, Cooper's team displayed a valiant effort in the last match. However, a moment of brilliance from Adrian Luna deprived them of any points from the game.

Ahead of the clash against Hyderabad FC, Cooper reiterated his disappointment about the last game. However, he believes there are plenty of positives to build upon from the opening two games.

“I think we can say two things about our last game – right performance, wrong result. And we're in the results business. But I think we can take a lot of positives from the way we were brave in the last game, where we pressed, where we kept the ball. As I said in the meantime, I don't think we deserve to lose that game,” Cooper stated in the pre-match press conference.

“There are a few things we need to iron out. We are sort of misfiring and we've got to get that right. But I think it looks very encouraging and positive. I think Jamshedpur fans can be excited and happy with the style of play,” he added.

While Jamshedpur FC are currently among the two teams that haven't scored a goal this season, alongside Chennaiyin FC, Cooper reassured supporters that their approach emphasises proactivity in the attacking third. He also underscored his philosophy that revolves around playing an attacking style of football.

“I will always go out and attack, no matter home or away. We're going to attack. We're going to play good football, we're going to be proactive, and we will never be boring. That's one thing I can assure fans,” explained Cooper.

The Men of Steel will finally grace their home turf for the first time this season. Cooper enthusiastically expressed his anticipation for playing in front of their home supporters. The 53-year-old urged fans to unite and play a significant role from the stands, creating an atmosphere that can unsettle the opposition.

“Playing at home in front of the vociferous fans of Jamshedpur is what I specially signed up for. We spoke of the unity that exists here, at the club, in the city, in the people, in the media here as well. I want to feel that unity tomorrow (Thursday) night. I want to feel that and make the opposition feel like they are really at the Furnace and make every opposition that comes here, uncomfortable,” Cooper commented.

Midfielder Pronay Halder accompanied Cooper in the pre-match press conference. The 30-year-old played a pivotal role in the midfield during the opening two games and is expected to have another significant role to play against Hyderabad FC on Thursday. Halder mentioned that their points tally doesn’t justify their effort in the opening two matches.

“Like our coach said, we played well in the last two games, but unfortunately, we didn't get the (desired) results. We're working to rectify the issues identified during training sessions, and on the field, we will strive to implement the coach's instructions,” he said.

However, the midfielder is confident about the team's future, considering their preparation in training sessions, and expects them to perform well in the upcoming matches.

“Hyderabad FC are a good team. I know some of their players – (Mohammad) Yasir, and Nikhil Poojary very well. In the last two training sessions, we've been working on (identifying) their strengths and weaknesses. I believe we will perform better if we stick to our game plan and execute it on the pitch,” Halder commented.

Cooper confirmed that their key player, Ritwik Kumar Das, is nearing a return and could be considered for the game against Hyderabad FC.

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