Chennaiyin FC is on their way to Bangalore to play Bengaluru FC after winning two consecutive league games in a row for the first time. The Marina Machans have struggled at the Kanteerva Stadium in recent years, unable to win since the 2017-18 ISL final. Prior to the trip, Irfan’s development was emphasized by head coach Owen Coyle, and the striker discussed the coach’s influence.
Owen Coyle on Irfan Yadwad:
Making the move from the third division to the Indian Super League was a challenging path for Irfan Yadwad to demonstrate his abilities to Indian supporters. Despite battling to gain minutes last year, Irfan has enjoyed a breakout season this year, scoring seven goals and starting every game. Owen Coyle talked about the striker’s strengths and his development this season.
“He’s had a real breakout season. He knows because we spoke last year about his development. And he’s continued to get better. But Irfan is not at a level that I think Irfan’s capable of being yet. Trust me, there is more to come from him. And there’s little things. I love him to bits.”
“He put himself in the national team. He earned that. Nobody gave him that. Manolo knew from speaking to me he was a good player. He watched him and thought, wow, Owen’s right. He’s a very, very good player. And it’s now up to Irfan to keep that going, to do well for Chennai and to do well for the national team.”
Irfan Yadwad on Owen Coyle:
Not just Irfan Yadwad, but Owen Coyle has a knack for developing young Indian youngsters into regular first-team players. He accomplished it while managing for Jamshedpur with players like Boris Singh, Jitendra, Ritwik Das, and even Hnamte and Bikash while he’s currently in Chennai. Irfan talked about how the head coach influenced his growth as a player.
“First thing, personally, I’m very thankful to the coach for this season. From day one, the confidence he has given me, I’m very happy with him to play this season. Just one thing, I want to thank him because I never said this before, but this season, I don’t know what to say, but he gave me that confidence to come and play. Thank you.”
Owen Coyle on Irfan’s position:
Despite being a striker by trade, Owen Coyle has primarily utilised Irfan Yadwad in the flanks. Irfan has started some matches through the middle but has played majority of the games through the left or right. Owen Coyle discussed the choice to put Irfan on the wings and how he impacts the team.
“When Irfan starts, Irfan is outstanding for the team. You mentioned about Irfan through the middle, he’s done well. I would think we’d all agree that Irfan’s best game was against Jamshedpur away. Irfan played on the side. So ultimately, people look and want to pick on this, pick on that. The bottom line is this has been a fantastic season for Irfan.”
“The good thing about Irfan, like Farukh, they’re capable of playing different positions. But the thing about Irfan, which is really important, wherever he plays, he is what I call a proper team player. He pours his heart and soul for the team. And that’s why he plays every week.”
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