Chennaiyin aim strong show against NorthEast United

Fatorda (Goa), January 21, 2022: Chennaiyin FC will look to produce an attacking effort and get back to winning ways when they lock horns against NorthEast United FC in the 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League match at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Saturday.

“There were some games in which we did really well in attack while we didn’t create many chances in others. We need to improve in attacking, decision making and play with more confidence. I believe, to make a stronger team in the future, we need to improve this more,” Chennaiyin FC’s head coach Bozidar Bandovic told the media during the team’s pre-match press conference on Friday.

“We will try to do this tomorrow. We have trained and prepared for it. We need to try to move the ball, be ahead in the possession and dominate the game,” he added.

Bandovic also confirmed the availability of Ariel Borysiuk and Vladimir Koman for Saturday’s game as Marina Machans will have all their six foreigners available for the selection for the first time this season.

Chennaiyin FC had beaten The Highlanders 2-1 in their last meeting earlier this season. Analysing the team’s performance in the league since, Bandovic said: “We did play very well against strong teams like ATK [Mohun Bagan] and Odisha. We lost against Bengaluru in a game which we didn’t deserve to lose. Of course, there were games we should have been better in attack. I think the players and the team have improved tactically.”

Talking about the threats that NorthEast United hold, Bandovic spoke of the importance of looking at their own game more than that of the opponent. “They have some good players like Imran [Khan], Suhair [Vedakkepeedika] and, [Deshorn] Brown is also very dangerous. We saw their game [against Odisha], they used some different types of pressing. We will prepare our team for that. We also have seen their other matches and have analysed them but is it most important to focus on our own team,” he further said.

CFC defender Sajid Dhot, who accompanied the coach at the PC, said their focus is more on keeping clean sheets. “If you don’t concede any goal, you can score and win the game at any moment. That’s more important,” said Sajid, who scored a goal during the team’s 1-1 draw against Hyderabad FC in the last match.

A win against NorthEast United will take the two-times champions to the third position on the points table. CFC are currently placed seventh with 15 points, five less than the table toppers Kerala Blasters. “If you go in Top-4, it is a big success for us as there are so many good teams. I believe if we improve our attack, we will be a stronger team,” Bandovic concluded.

Chennaiyin FC vs NorthEast United FC

Matches: 15, CFC: 4, NEUFC: 6; Draw: 5

Goals: CFC: 23, NEUFC: 26