Chennaiyin FC brace for Jamshedpur FC test in Owen Coyle’s first game in-charge

Jamshedpur, December 8, 2019: Chennaiyin FC will be looking to begin new Head Coach Owen Coyle’s tenure at the club with a much-needed win away to Jamshedpur FC in the Hero Indian Super League at the JRD Tata Sports Complex here on Monday. The Scottish-born former Bolton Wanderers and Burnley manager joined CFC last week on the back of Englishman John Gregory’s departure.

Coyle’s CFC come into this one on the back of a win and a draw against Hyderabad FC (2-1) and Odisha FC (2-2) respectively, that somewhat arrested the slump from the opening four games in which they were winless and goalless. Jamshedpur on the other hand have started this campaign better than CFC and are unbeaten in four games at home (2W, 2D). They were held to a 1-1 draw in their previous encounter against NorthEast United FC.

Currently the league’s lowest goalscorers, Chennaiyin will be hoping Lithuanian striker Nerijus Valskis continues his form in front of goal, having netted thrice in his last two appearances, including a 95th minute winner against Hyderabad FC. Coyle will be hoping the others join Valskis and put in an inspired performance in a bid to charge up the table.

In terms of team news, Jamshedpur FC could be without the Spanish duo of striker Sergio Castel and Piti, who are nursing injuries. Chennaiyin could come up against two former players in the form of CK Vineeth and Isaac Vanmalsawma, who both played for the club last season. As for Chennaiyin, Head Coach Coyle said he is expecting to have a similar squad at his disposal from that of the previous two games against Hyderabad and Odisha.

“We look at our opponents (JFC) knowing they have very good players, a very good team. We are very respectful of them, but we don’t come in fear. We believe in the group we have, that if we are at our very best, we can win the game. A big performance will be required from the skipper (Lucian Goian) and his defensive unit because they (JFC) have good offensive pieces. I repeat, if we are at our best, we can win this game,” said an optimistic Coyle in his first ever Hero ISL pre-match press conference.

Coyle was joined by Goian at the presser. The experienced Romanian defender is upbeat about himself and the squad rising to the occasion with a new Head Coach at the helm, looking to enjoy the pressure situation. “Football is all about pressure. If you can’t handle pressure, football is not for you. We have experienced players in our team, and together with the young boys we have to manage the situation and rise above. Jamshedpur will have a good crowd, but we enjoy playing in such pressure situations. That’s why we all began playing football. The coach (Owen Coyle) is coming with positive energy. He will make each one of us to give our maximum,” said a determined Goian.