Chennaiyin FC’s terrible run of form continues with yet another loss, this time to rivals Bengaluru FC 4-2 at the Marina Arena. Even though they were tied heading into halftime, Bengaluru FC took chances in the second half and won when the referee blew the final whistle. Here’s what Owen Coyle had to say after the Bengaluru loss.
Owen Coyle on the result
Despite going down twice in the first half, Chennaiyin FC fought valiantly to get back into the game and responded exceptionally, coming back from behind twice. While the attackers did their share, it was the defenders, notably the fullbacks, who were to blame for all four goals conceded. When asked about the loss, Owen Coyle acknowledged the positives from the attack while also expressing frustration with his defense.
“We allowed four crosses into the box and resulted in four goals, one culminating in probably one of the own goals that is so avoidable. And yet, for that, first half we played really well, created really good chances, had to come back twice when probably we should have been in front. So, there was a lot to be pleased about in that, albeit that I thought the two goals were avoidable.”
Owen Coyle praises Mohammad Nawaz
While the Chennaiyin defense conceded four goals, goalkeeper Nawaz had little control over the situation. Indeed, Nawaz produced a few outstanding stops to block some obvious chances to score. If not for Nawaz, the score line could have been even worse for the hosts. Speaking about Nawaz’s performance, Owen Coyle discussed the player’s impact since joining the team.
“There’s nothing you can do when people are getting free headers, four yards out, or unopposed. So, I think Nawaz has done very well. I think he did a good save from a left-footed shot at the edge of the box at 2-2. I’ve got to say that, I think Nawaz has done really well. Nawaz has looked like a very, very good goalkeeper for us.”
Owen Coyle explains what Kiyan Nassiri needs to improve
When Kiyan Nassiri was benched to make room for Farukh Choudhary, many Chennaiyin supporters were taken by surprise. In the last few games, Kiyan has performed incredibly well and been a big threat on the right side. However, it appeared that Owen Coyle chose Farukh, who was assigned a specific responsibility to keep Roshan Singh quiet, and Farukh performed effectively in that regard. Owen Coyle praised Kiyan’s abilities while also pointing out areas for improvement.
“Sometimes you just freshen things up. Farukh did very well in the game. The thing is when you say, oh, you want somebody to play in the league, somebody else is not playing. So that’s the nature of football. But Kiyan is doing very well. I think there’s little bits he needs to get better. Physically, you know, there’s little things because he’s such a skillful player, he knows, and I’ve tried to explain to him that as soon as he gets it, he’s going to receive contact. So he’s got to be ready for that.”
“There was an instance as soon as he came on, down the right if you remember it, and the boy comes and hits him and the ball rolls out for a goal kick. That’s the little bits that you just need to be better at because if you are, Kiyan is going to go on and he’s certainly a very, very good player for us. That’s for sure.”
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