The Chennaiyin FC head coach highlighted the importance of taking risks in the final third, while Namgyal Bhutia expressed his excitement ahead of facing his former club.
Chennai, October 15, 2026: Chennaiyin FC head coach Clifford Miranda has called on his side to be more confident and assertive as they prepare to take on Bengaluru FC in their second fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026/27 season.
Reflecting on the opening-day draw against FC Goa, Miranda highlighted the importance of building on the team’s performance as Chennaiyin prepare for their next challenge.
“The most important thing is for us to be able to control the game and to be more decisive in the final third,” he said. “We need to be more confident, we need to be and we need to take risks in the final third because we are far away from our goal.”
The head coach also stressed the importance of maintaining a consistent approach throughout the season, noting that there would always be areas for improvement regardless of the result.
On the attacking front, Miranda spoke about the versatility of striker Ramon Tanque, explaining how the team’s attacking structure allows him to contribute in different ways rather than being restricted to the role of a traditional target man.
“He is a complete striker who fits the attacking structure we want to play. It allows him to drop deep, run into space, and contribute through his link-up play,” Miranda explained.
“With his imposing figure, it gives an added advantage to the team. But for us, the way our attacking structure allows, it is very dynamic. If you have seen two different aspects in two different halves from Ramon, then it is a good thing.”
Assessing the upcoming opponents, Miranda acknowledged Bengaluru FC’s fluidity and the quality within their squad, highlighting the challenge of containing their movement and positional interchanges.
“They have good, dynamic players who are very fluid. The coach has done a good job adapting to the players’ suitability and playing to their strengths,” he said. “We have to defend in a way that doesn’t allow them much space. In the end, the most important thing is to stay compact and not give the opposition space and time.”
Meanwhile, defender Namgyal Bhutia expressed his excitement ahead of returning to face his former club, backing Chennaiyin to give their best and push for all three points.
“I am excited to play against them. We are a good team, and I believe in this team and the coach’s tactics. We will go there and give our best, and hopefully we will get what we deserve,” he said.
Bhutia, who registered an assist in Chennaiyin’s season opener, underlined his commitment to contributing wherever required. “I am just here to help my team. I will give my everything. If they want assists, I will assist. If they want me to score, I’ll score, and if they want me to go up and cross, I will do that.”
Miranda also provided updates on the squad ahead of the fixture. Glan Martins, Vivek S, and Maheson Singh are unavailable due to injuries. The coach stressed the importance of managing their recovery carefully, given the qualities they bring to the team.
Chennaiyin FC will look to build on their opening performance and continue their progress as they take on Bengaluru FC in Matchweek two of the ISL 2026/27 season.
