“Have very good pieces in our team, now need to put them together” – Owen Coyle ahead of his first CFC game as boss

Jamshedpur, December 8, 2019: New Chennaiyin FC Head Coach was in an upbeat mood as he addressed the media in his first press conference after joining the club, here at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on the eve of his team’s clash against Jamshedpur FC.

“I’ve been a huge admirer of the Hero ISL over the years as there are a number of colleagues and friends who have worked in the league, as coaches and players. As footballers and coaches, we keep an eye on leagues around the world, especially the Hero ISL which is an emerging league,” said Coyle glowingly about the competitive nature of the league.

Talking about his team in particular, Coyle was genuinely optimistic of CFC’s chances of making it to the playoffs despite not getting of the best of starts after six games. “I particularly think that we have very good players and a very good squad. There have been quite a few draws this season. If we win a couple of games and gather momentum, it can catapult us up the table. We have a lot of work to do but making the play-offs is achievable from here. Our first aim is to win matches consistently and by doing that we try to move up the table bit by bit.”

The former Bolton Wanderers boss believes players need to develop a sense of togetherness and camaraderie while showing the desire to go on a winning run. And he sees great potential in the squad, which drew him to the Chennaiyin challenge. “The players need to have a desire to go on that winning run. It’ll be difficult but it’s certainly achievable, so that for me was a great challenge to come to. I wouldn’t have come to Chennaiyin if I didn’t think we have a genuine chance of competing at the top end of the table. I believe we are capable of achieving that end goal,” Coyle said with determination.

Coyle has seen the matches his side have played this season and has called on them to work on the fine margins that are deciding games out of their favour. “There have been some games this season that our club deservedly lost, but there have been some games with fine margins. So we have to turn those fine margins into points and wins. And when do that, the body language changes.”

Along with the need to win, Coyle also emphasizes on the need to entertain and play an attractive brand of football while helping the Hero ISL grow as a collective. “The important thing is focusing on ourselves and being the best we can be. We also have an obligation to grow the Hero ISL and the brand so that globally we have everyone taking notice of the Hero ISL. Not just the foreign players, the Hero ISL also has some terrific Indian talent as well. I feel they possess real ability. And as a coach, it is my duty to promote that and help them grow. On and off the field, we have to be good ambassadors for the club and the league. We have to enhance the league by being here and help in any way we can,” the former Bolton striker said.

Speaking about the welcome he has received, especially given games are about to come thick and fast, Coyle expressed his satisfaction by saying, “The welcome I have received from the players and the backroom staff has been great, has been humbling. So all we have to do now is play our part in delivering and winning games. We can’t just talk about it here; we have to show it out on the pitch where we will get judged for it.”