“It will be a tough game between two attack-minded teams” – Owen Coyle ahead of OFC clash

Bhubaneswar, January 5, 2020: Chennaiyin FC Head Coach Owen Coyle reiterated the need for his side to remove individual errors from their game, when he addressed the media in the pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s clash against Odisha FC in the Hero Indian Super League at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. 

“We can’t allow the four goals we conceded against Goa. All four were from mistakes, I would say. We have to eradicate the individual errors. If we do that, we will have a say at the business end of the season,” Coyle said.

The Irishman expects an end-to-end affair between two offensive outfits in Odisha. “They are very talented, particularly in the forward areas. We are a talented side ourselves, playing good football and exciting to watch. It will be a tough game, two very attack-minded teams.”

Despite just four points from his three games in charge, Chennaiyin have been a transformed unit under Coyle. “We did well against Jamshedpur, despite the draw. Bounced back against Kerala Blasters with a good win, and then again unlucky not to get anything against Goa. There’s a lot to be excited and positive about. Really looking forward to a tough game.”

Coyle is determined for his side to not change their philosophy just because they are playing on the road. “We come here with a lot of respect for Odisha, who have some fantastically talented players with good balance. But if we were to change our philosophy and style of play, it would be detrimental to what we want to do. I have a group of players who have shown they can score goals.”

When asked to evaluate his four weeks at the helm so far with what he had in mind while starting out, Coyle said, “When you come in mid-season, you have to evaluate very quickly. How they’ve applied themselves, their work ethic and attitude, and when you marry that with their ability, that can win football matches.”

Coyle was joined by forward Andre Schembri, who reiterated the importance of sticking to their gameplan. “We have our gameplan, which we will try and follow. Doesn’t matter if we’re playing home or away. We have had a very good week in training. The players are really motivated, and I’m sure everyone is going to give their best to win.”

“Odisha FC have very good players, but to be honest I only concentrate on myself and our team. I look forward to giving our best and nothing else.”

Sharing his thoughts on the effect Owen Coyle has had on the group, Schembri said, “Of course, as a team we are gelling much better. Our training sessions have been good and intense. There is more passion, commitment and we’ve been more attack-minded. We have been scoring more goals, attacking a lot. Against Odisha FC we will give our best and try to win all three points.”