Chennaiyin FC, who have had a mixed season so far, will play their last of five consecutive home games on April 21 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai against relegation-threatened Mohammedan SC. The match is scheduled to start at 19:30 IST.
The Marina Machans began their season with four consecutive away matches against Mohun Bagan, Mumbai City, Odisha FC, and the Kerala Blasters. They ended up losing two of the 4 matches, drew one, and defeated the Kerala Blasters.
After a string of away games, they returned home to play five straight home matches in front of their devoted supporters. However, things haven’t gone as planned, as they’ve lost twice, drawn once, and won just one of their first four games.
Ahead of the game against Mohammedan SC, assistant coach Anthony Fernandes and defender Dinliana spoke to the media in the absence of Clifford Miranda, who fell sick ahead of the PC but is expected to be on the touchlines for the clash.
Anthony Fernades on Mohammedan SC:
While a game against Mohammedan SC, who are at the bottom of the table with only one point and no victories, appears simple on paper, they are coming off a 1-1 draw against Odisha FC, which should give them confidence heading into this game. Mohammedan also has a solid track record at Marina Arena, having won their first ISL match there.
Anthony Fernandes expressed his admiration for the opponent, insisting that there is no easier match in the ISL and that they expect a challenging game against Wadoo’s team.
“None of the games are easy games in ISL. Because every team come there prepared. And everybody comes with their heart to play. It’s not like it’s just a makeover match. Tomorrow we just come and play and we win. It’s not that way.”
“We are playing a match against Mohammedan Sporting, who are equally a tough team irrespective of where they stand on the table. We are more focused on working on the three points in the next match.”
Injury Update:
Anthony Fernandes on enjoying freedom under Clifford Miranda:
If you’ve followed Chennaiyin games carefully, you would have noticed that Anthony Fernades takes command of the touchline at times, even ahead of head coach Clifford Miranda. Earlier this season, Clifford discussed how responsibilities are established for everyone on the coaching staff and encouraged that his fellow coaches progress in their careers as well.
Anthony Fernades expressed his joy at sharing the touchline with Clifford Miranda, as well as his sense of respect among the group.
“It’s always good when you are given some responsibility to work on. I had a pleasure of working with other coaches also. But here it is different because we have even played together, there is a different rapport working together. Yes, I do enjoy that even my thoughts have been taken care of.”
“I can actually voice out what my opinion is about a certain part of the play. It’s in a good environment that we share our thoughts and it’s been respected. It always gives me great pleasure to be part of this team.”
Anthony Fernandes on the goal scoring woes:
Chennaiyin FC has played eight games and won twice this season, however they have not scored more than once in a single game. Goals have been their primary worry this season, and the assistant coach stressed the necessity to create chances and, more crucially, capitalizing on them chances.
“Our scoring record has to improve. And I agree to that because the more you score you always end up winning. But for me, creating chances is equally important. We will score goals only if we are creating. And for us, creating more chances is what our first aim is.”
“And yes, we are missing and we are working on that part in the training sessions. But again, for me, more than scoring, I think creating more chances is very important. That gives us an opportunity to score more goals. So going into the next matches, creating more and scoring more will be our target.”
Anthony Fernandes on improving from set-pieces:
Marina Machans have struggled with set-pieces this season, particularly attacking set-pieces. The goal against Odisha FC is the only one they’ve scored directly from a set piece this season. Anthony Fernandes, who is in charge of the offensive set-pieces, accepted responsibility for the bad performance and emphasized the importance of improving in the most crucial component of modern game.
“I agree to that and I take that full blame for it. We have not converted the chances that have been created by us in the set pieces. The time frame constrains us from working hard. We are playing a match in the next two days. In the two days, it was more about recovery rather than working on the set pieces in terms with the opposition.”
“But again, not an excuse. We need to do better, and I take the full blame for that. We need to create more chances and score more goals even in the set pieces because it is the most important part of modern-day football.”
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