Home side JFC, who are off to a good start in ISL with a win and a draw, will go all out against ATK in their first home tie on Sunday at the JRD Tata Sports Complex that has been given a fresh coat of paint with team flags and banners adorning the four floodlight towers.
Gates — nine in all — open at 5pm for the match to begin at 7.30pm.
For the comfort of spectators, there will be bucket seats at both the western and eastern ends of the stadium. Around 9,000 additional bucket seats have been installed this time at the upper tier of the eastern end. Comfort has come a cost. The number of seats has come down by 1,000 from 24,424, said JFC CEO Mukul Chaudhari.
Around 50 stalls have been put up behind the eastern, southern and northern galleries. Like last time, there will be a separate AC lounge at the western end reserved for VIPs. The Sonnet, which is doing the catering, has promised a spread that includes biryani, rolls and cheese balls, in addition to a separate chaat counter.
Head coach Cesar Ferrando made his team’s intentions clear from the word go. “ATK has a good side and a good coach but we’ll go for a win,” the Spaniard said at the match-eve press meet at the stadium.
Ferrando, however, noted that was not satisfied with their team’s show versus Bengaluru FC earlier this month. “Well, I am not happy with our defending in the last match. We need to work together. We are well prepared,” he added.
The JFC mentor denied they were under home turf pressure. “We will keep calm and be patient to win the tie.”
Ferrando said mid-fielder Mobashir Rahman would not play owing to an injury while forward Gaurav Mukhi could make it to the side. “I am watching the performance of players during training,” he said, adding that goalie Subrata Paul would also have to sit out Sunday’s match to wrap up a three-match suspension.
ATK coach Steve Coppell, who was with JFC in their debut ISL 2017-18 season, said he was happy to be back in Jamshedpur. “I feel great to be back here again. Delighted JFC had a good start to the season. The home side should perform well tomorrow (Sunday) but we will do our best to try and win our second away game,” he added.
Praising the turf at JRD complex, Coppell said it was in excellent shape. “The turf was not in very good shape when we played here in December. But it looks excellent this time,” he said, adding his side did not have injury concerns.
JFC on Saturday announced the code of conduct related to ISL matches at JRD complex. It includes prohibiting entry at venue with objectionable items and mistreatment of visiting team, guests and fans. Those found guilty will be ejected from seats and not allowed in future matches. The club announced emergency numbers 7632987465, 929795347
