After a disappointing 2-2 tie with Mohammedan SC, Chennaiyin FC faces a difficult opponent in Mohun Bagan SG up next. In the absence of Owen Coyle, assistant coach Noel Wilson and midfielder Hnamte spoke with the media about the team’s performance, Pritam Kotal, and injury reports.
Injury Updates:
Chennaiyin FC will be without its head coach, Owen Coyle, due to suspension. Additionally, Ryan Edwards has just resumed training, but he is still doubtful for tomorrow’s match, according to Noel Wilson. He also mentioned that Lukas Brambilla hasn’t been training at his best since suffering an ankle injury in the last game. Ankit Mukherjee, who was substituted at halftime in the previous two matches, will be available for the encounter.
Noel Wilson on Defensive lapses:
Chennaiyin FC has scored two goals in each of their last three games. Despite scoring goals, their defense has recently conceded numerous goals. In the last two games, they have dropped a two-goal lead in the closing minutes to only earn one point rather than three. Noel Wilson discussed concentration failures and forced backline changes.
“When you talk about defense not performing well in the last two games like going two goals up and conceding two goals, if you see this season, most of the time we have not played a perfect 4 defense. It’s always substituting, and changing, due to injuries. Even in the last game when you see Bikash, he had a hamstring, so we had to bring him out. So, in that time of period when you are playing 100 minutes, you will never change the defense. That’s a very risky time because you are always under pressure.”
“Because when the opponent scores one goal, they are ready for the second one. And that’s what happened in the last game and in the previous game. So, I think this season what’s happening is injuries. And our defense has not been playing, all four defenders have not been continuing games. I think that’s a matter which we have to be worried about. And if you see the attacking of us has been very good, it’s only the defense.”
Noel Wilson and Hnamte on Pritam Kotal:
After losing Bikash to the Kerala Blasters, Chennaiyin FC signed Pritam Kotal in a swap deal. Pritam has a great deal of experience, in contrast to most Chennaiyin players, who are 25 years of age or younger. Hnamte, Pritam’s former teammate, and Noel Wilson addressed the potential impact the new signing could have on the squad.
“Since Bikash had a contract to go to Kerala we bought Pritam. I think Owen knows better because he is an experienced coach, so he has bought him. And hopefully these remaining games, I think Pritam coming in will help the team. So maybe with Pritam coming in, I hope that the team starts playing better. I hope we stop conceding goals and just hope for the best in the remaining games”, added Noel Wilson.
“Pritam (Da) is a great player. Most players here (at Chennaiyin FC) are under 25. So, he’s going to be a huge help for the young players to look up. And with the way he talked in the game, in Mohun Bagan, the impact he has on the player during the game also, the talk he has is hugely different. Like, experienced player. So, he’s going to be a good help in the team”, added Hnamte.
Noel Wilson on dressing room atmosphere:
Chennaiyin would have 22 points from 16 games if they had gained six points from their past two games. This would put them in a much better position to compete in the playoffs than they are now, with just 17 points from 16 games. Noel Wilson talked about how the coaches are attempting to inspire the players and the atmosphere in the dressing room.
“I think the players have to take the responsibility. Because as coaches, as technical staff, we can only just watch out of the field. But on the field, I think the players have to take the responsibility. And Owen has been speaking to players after every game. Sandy, our assistant coach, myself, we try to speak to the players. So, I think we will try to get better. As a coach and officials, we do understand every game is important to us.
“Now, to get to the top six, we have still games. And nothing is impossible. Because if Chennaiyin FC is in top form, we are ready to take any team. And we’ve already shown it. What we’re lacking is the last goal, the late goal, what we’re considering. So, if we focus on that and try to stop that, I think 100% we will get good results. And it’s the duty of Owen, the coach. He is doing it by motivating the players and telling them, yes, they are the best. But they have to perform that on the field.”
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