“We have a strong mentality going into the semis” – Owen Coyle focused on ISL semis after fighting NorthEast draw

Guwahati, February 25, 2020: Chennaiyin FC earned a fighting 2-2 draw over NorthEast United FC in the final Hero Indian Super League match of the league phase here on Tuesday. Despite being a man down after Tondonba Singh’s first half red card, CFC fought back and equalized in the closing stages through Lallianzuala Chhangte.

“We took about 15 minutes to settle down. Scored a wonderful goal then (through Masih Saighani). We felt very comfortable at 1-0 up,” Coyle said at the post-match press conference.

Talking about the contentious red card for Tondonba’s challenge on Ninthoi Meetei, Coyle said, “Big turning point in the game. I felt the initial contact was outside the box. But I don’t think it was a red card. But it is what it is. They score a goal and we are down to ten men in the first half.”

NEUFC then took the lead through Chaves’ wonderstrike from outside the box, beating a diving Karanjit on the volley.

“I don’t think Karanjit had any particular saves to make despite NorthEast having a man advantage. Obviously they had more of the ball.”

“But I have to say, what a wonderful goal that was from the boy (Martin Chaves). Even as an opposition coach, must say the skill from the lad and the goal was outstanding,” said Coyle while praising the goal.

“With the spirit that we have at the club, we were never out of the game. We made some substitutions and pushed people forward and got the equalizer via (Lallianzuala) Chhangte and I feel we fully deserved the second goal. It was terrific to see this mentality,” he commented on the Mizo winger’s 93rd minute goal at the near post with a shot from outside the box.

Coyle highlighted another distinction as CFC concluded the league phase with an eight-match unbeaten run.

“That’s also the first time a team has started an ISL game with ten Indian players in the starting lineup. It shows my trust in the Indian players.”

“It was always going to be a tough match, having qualified already. We also rested players because we didn’t want them to pick up any injuries or suspensions. I obviously feel for Tondonba but he’ll bounce back,” he added.

With the focus now entirely on returning to Chennai on Wednesday and preparing for the semi-final first leg against FC Goa at home on Saturday, Coyle lauded the mindset of the players and staff, drawing on the never-say-die attitude on display in Guwahati.

“We have a very strong mentality at the club. Although we were behind and went down to ten men, we knew we could get something from the game. We committed more players forward. I prefer drawing 2-2 if it means losing 3-1 in the process. Not many teams would fight and come back like the way we did.”

“Goa are a great side. They are number one for a reason. But we have also been in great form. We have played under pressure. We’ve been unbeaten in eight games, winning six of them. The most important thing was to arrive when we did. The character, mentality, belief and trust we have in each other will be needed against FC Goa. They are a very good and compact side. We are looking forward to standing toe-to-toe against a quality team,” the Chennaiyin gaffer concluded.