ISL 2021-22: Three areas where Jamshedpur FC need to improve to topple Kerala Blasters FC in the second leg
After claiming the League Winners' Shield, Jamshedpur FC suffered a humbling 0-1 defeat at the hands of Kerala Blasters FC in the first leg of the Indian Super League semi-final on Friday. The onus is now on the Red Miners to go out in the second leg and script a fairytale victory.
However, Owen Coyle and his men will have a handful of factors to rectify when they face the Blasters again on Tuesday. Ivan Vukomanovic's side came up with a resilient showing in the first leg, especially in the second half, soaking up all the pressure from JFC's elite attacking line.
In a tight game with only a few clear-cut chances, Sahal Abdul Samad's delightful lob over TP Rehenesh in the 38th minute eventually made the difference.
Yet, for Jamshedpur FC, their hopes are far from over. They have an inspired and talented group of players, but some crucial areas in their gameplay need sorting out.
On that note, let's take a look at 3 tactical areas where the Men of Steel can improve in the upcoming match.
Create more room for Greg Stewart to operate in
Unequivocally, Greg Stewart has been Jamshedpur's brightest attacking and creative outlet throughout the season. The Scot has 10 goals and 10 assists in ISL 2021-22. However, against Kerala Blasters FC, the former Rangers forward looked like a shadow of his usual self.
Clearances ☄
Successful Tackle 
6️⃣ Clearances ☄
1️⃣ Successful Tackle 💪
1️⃣ Successful Interception ✅
Marko Leskovic's supreme performance at the back helped @KeralaBlasters register a valuable clean sheet! 💪🟡
#JFCKBFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball #KeralaBlasters https://t.co/8vNzuYG200
The Blasters maintained a formidable defensive shape and did well to double-team Stewart whenever he got on the ball. The JFC talisman drifted all across the pitch to find some space, but that was not to be.
What should the Red Miners do in the next game? Well, the answer is quite obvious. Expand the pitch as wide as possible by utilizing their wingers. Create isolated situations for Stewart against the KBFC defenders.
It's almost like basketball. Once you get in a one-on-one situation, with his quality, you expect the Scot to create chances out of thin air. But it's not as easy as it seems.
Vukomanovic is a master tactician and with Ruivan Hormipam and Marko Leskovic, the Yellow Tuskers have two solid centre-backs. They'll try to keep the game as tight as possible.
Jamshedpur FC needs to be clinical in the final third
Super-sub @_ishanpandita_ had a good opportunity to score the equaliser for @JamshedpurFC in the dying minutes of #JFCKBFC! 😮
#HeroISL #LetsFootball #JamshedpurFC #IshanPandita #ISLMoments https://t.co/iSkYdIeQCa
Well, this is not rocket science! Head coach Owen Coyle himself asserted after their last game that if his players had taken the chances that came their way, Jamshedpur FC could've been up by three goals in the first half itself.
The Men of Steel had some delightful chances in the first leg but Daniel Chima Chukwu failed to bury them. In the first half, JFC had four shots, three of them off target. If they're to make a comeback, more of those chances need to end up in the net.
However, being clinical is not only restricted to finishing. Owen Coyle's men need to produce better quality on the final pass.
Cutting the passing lines of the Kerala Blasters FC midfield with high press
Jamshedpur FC will surely realize that going into the fixture, they'll be the team on the backfoot. An early goal from the Yellow Tuskers could very much settle the tie. Hence, Owen Coyle's men have to up the ante and unsettle Kerala Blasters.
In the middle of the park, the Kerala side have two fairly young midfielders in Puitea and Ayush Adhikari. Although they've done a decent job throughout the season, there are often signs of errors when put under pressure.
𝓓𝓮𝓯𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓼 𝓪𝓷 𝓪𝓻𝓽 and @HormipamRuivah 𝓭𝓲𝓼𝓹𝓵𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓭 𝓲𝓽 𝔀𝓮𝓵𝓵!👏
The young @KeralaBlasters centre-back rose to the occasion with a rock-solid defensive performance to win the Hero of the Match against Jamshedpur FC!💯⛔
#JFCKBFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball https://t.co/mZjMY5C7kE
Jamshedpur FC's biggest strength have been their pragmatic approach throughout the season and Coyle could look to utilize his defensive line into pressing higher up the pitch. Not a man-to-man press but cut down those passing lines to wide players. However, a lot of discipline will be required from Pronay Halder and Jitendra Singh if the Red Miners are to execute a similar process.
Expectedly, Jamshedpur FC will have to play expansive football to win the midfield battle if they're to win the game. Because in defense, at least till now, KBFC have looked formidable.