Scott Cooper Criticizes Team After Narrow Loss to Mohun Bagan

Thrilling encounter at The Furnace leaves Jamshedpur FC wanting more

Despite a close contest against defending champions Mohun Bagan, Jamshedpur FC’s coach Scott Cooper shares candid feedback, highlighting the need for VAR and player discipline in Indian football.

JAMSHEDPUR – The absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Indian football came under the scanner again after Jamshedpur FC’s riveting face-off with Mohun Bagan.

Addressing the media post-match, Jamshedpur’s gaffer Scott Cooper, while appreciating the intensity and passion on display, bemoaned the lack of technological assistance. "Everywhere else, even in Thailand, and Vietnam, there’s VAR. Our penalty situation at the end would have been clearer with it," he remarked.

Contrastingly, Cooper wasn’t entirely disappointed with his side’s performance. "We created more chances than them, 13 to their 11. However, there were moments when certain players abandoned the planned tactics, and that’s unacceptable," he stressed.

The coach praised young Sanan for his commitment and tact, indirectly hinting at some senior players’ lack of adherence to the game plan. "Some senior players can learn from Sanan," Cooper added.

On a positive note, the gaffer lauded his team’s spirit, especially after being reduced to ten men. "Steve Ambri and Semboi displayed intense passion, almost turning the game in our favor," he said. However, Cooper didn’t shy away from emphasizing the need for finishing and rectifying tactical lapses.

Cooper also acknowledged the fans’ support and their evident frustration. "I understand the fans, but they need to stay with us. We’ll fix the issues," he assured.

Touching upon the performance of Chima, Cooper said, "He’s a hard-working individual, but we need our strikers to be scoring."

The coach ended on an optimistic note, quoting, "The best music and poetry are written in times of adversity. Sometimes, one does their best work in these moments."