Unbeaten Chennaiyin FC set to face ATK Mohun Bagan
Fatorda (Goa), December 10, 2021:* Chennaiyin FC will lock horns with ATK Mohun Bagan in their fourth 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League match at PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa on Saturday.
Aware of the threat the Mariners could pose, CFC head coach Bozidar Bandovic remains wary but confident. “It (ATKMB) is one of the best teams in the league. They are a champion team and were the finalist last season. They are now more dangerous than ever [after losing last two matches],” the 52-year-old Montenegrin coach said while addressing the media during the team’s virtual pre-match press conference on Friday.
In the two matches played between both these sides last season, one resulted in a draw while ATKMB managed a narrow 1-0 win in the other game.
“ATKMB is a good team defensively as well as offensively. We all know what they are capable of. We will try to do everything possible to win the game tomorrow,” said CFC midfielder Lallianzuala Chhangte, who is currently the highest scoring Indian midfielder in the ISL.
The two-time champions have started their season with consecutive victories, followed by a draw in their last outing. Currently placed fourth, CFC is the only team yet to lose a match this season.
“It gives confidence [to be unbeaten]. Of course, we could have had nine points if we hadn’t missed out on chances [in the last match]. I’m happy but this is not enough. We need to play better. Being stable is most important,” Bandovic said.
Following a week’s break, the Marina Machans have a tight schedule until December 22 with Mumbai City FC, Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC to follow. “This week [during the break] we worked on players’ recovery and also made some preparations. Now we know that every three or four days we have games, so there is no space for other things. It’s been a good week and we are now ready for the game,” Bandovic concluded.
