Following a valiant 0-0 draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giants, Chennaiyin FC will play FC Goa in an all-important contest in which the Marina Machans must win all three points to be in contention for the top six. Before departing for Goa, head coach Owen Coyle and new signing Pritam Kotal spoke with the media.
Owen Coyle on FC Goa:
The previous meeting between these two teams this season concluded in a thrilling 2-2 tie at the Marina Arena. Since then, the Gaurs has enjoyed an amazing run of play, going undefeated in their previous 11 games (7 victories and 4 draws). Sandesh Jhingan’s comeback has been essential to this run. Owen Coyle recognized both Sandesh Jhingan’s and FC Goa’s outstanding players’ contributions.
“There’s no coincidence that Goa have been on an outstanding run since Sandesh Jhingan came back into the team at the back. Sunil Chhetri’s had an unbelievable career and the plaudits are well-deserved. But I would put Sandesh Jhingan on the same level. Sandesh came back into the game and they’ve been on a terrific defensive run since then.”
“Sadiku’s a top, top player. Goa spent a lot of money to bring Sadiku in. They did with Akash. Young Bryson’s done tremendous, as is young Boris and all these players. Carl McHugh now comes back available after the suspension. Very good side with good players and a really good friend of mine in Manolo. We’ve shown we can stand toe-to-toe with very, very good teams. So we go to Goa, not to sit in, we go there to go and try and win the game.”
Owen Coyle on injuries:
Chennaiyin FC has been extremely unlucky with injuries this season. They are frequently forced to change their lineup as a result of injuries throughout the squad. This holds true coming into the match against Goa, as Elsinho (knock) and Lukas Brambilla (ankle injury) are still doubtful. In addition to the two Brazilians, Owen Coyle provided an update on Vignesh and Ankit Mukherjee.
“Ankit will travel with the squad. Vignesh, I think, is a big doubt because obviously, and after he’s done so well. But he’ll get opportunities again when he’s fit. He’s just tweaked his groin a little bit. Elsinho’s managed to do some light, very light training today. Hopefully he does a full session tomorrow, if he does, then he’ll certainly be in contention to play. Lukas managed to do, a small part of the session today. I’m hopeful that he can step up tomorrow. If he does, then there’s a good chance of being involved.”
Owen Coyle on Pritam Kotal
Pritam Kotal produced an excellent performance against his previous team, Mohun Bagan Super Giants, in the last game. The seasoned veteran shown his defensive abilities while also playing fullback and centre-back. Beyond his defensive prowess, Kotal shown exceptional leadership by leading his own defenders and mentoring the younger players on the field. Owen Coyle discussed Pritam’s performance and the potential influence he may have as a leader on this team.
“Pritam is in his prime. I actually think his best years are yet to come. It was an important signing with bringing Pritam here, who’s been an outstanding player all his career, played nearly over 50 times for the national team, being a leader because I think that helps late on in moments. And you’ve seen even the other night, Pritam came in with a fantastic debut. But it’s certainly a great addition to the squad.”
Pritam Kotal on life at Chennaiyin so far:
Only a few days into the team, Pritam appeared to be at ease with the other players, offering them instructions on the field. The former Kerala Blasters defender talked about the atmosphere in the changing room and his initial experience with Chennaiyin has been so far.
“I feel very happy to be here. Environment-wise, I think top, top group of players is here. I like the last two days, I’m training with the team and then playing. And, like, communicating with the players are all positive vibes in the dressing room. Before the match, I was talking with my defending partner, Elsinho, Ryan and Mandar. But all the players are good and good attitude in the dressing room. We need to improve each and every day.”
Owen Coyle on January Transfer Window:
Following Bikash’s departure, Chennaiyin FC signed Pritam Kotal from Kerala Blasters during the ongoing transfer window. In addition to Pritam, the team has recruited promising teenage midfielder Maheson Singh from Punjab FC. When questioned about potential new acquisitions, Owen Coyle stated that the club is actively looking to bring in players in the final days of the transfer window.
“We don’t have biggest squad in terms of outgoings but I’m certainly still trying to get one or two in that will help the squad. January, as you know, is a difficult month because players ultimately go to other clubs and there’s obviously different reasons for that. But, yeah, we’re still actively trying. If we can add certainly to the quality that we have with Pritam, then we’d be delighted.”
Owen Coyle on Top 6:
Chennaiyin FC is well-known for comebacks, and Owen Coyle’s squad has a tendency for getting results near the end of the season. Last season, they went on a tremendous run in the final few games, making the playoffs with 27 points. After jokingly adding that anything over 27 would get them into the playoffs, Owen Coyle said that a respectable total in the 30s would be the optimal number of points needed.
“It’ll be more than 27, that’s for sure. I think what’s shown lately, there’s been a lot of draws in the game. That’s why I always speak of the importance of the winning run. I don’t know if there’s what you could guarantee to be a points total, but I think it’s certainly going to be in those decent numbers of 30. I know we have games to win, because draws won’t be enough. As much as we’ve had draws, and did well in them, but equally in each of them, I think we could have easily won those games. That’s what we need to just turn that switch from draws to wins.”
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