John Gregory happy with lack of foreigners, Phil Brown hopes for a good result

Published at :February 1, 2019 at 5:17 AM

Modified at :February 1, 2019 at 5:17 AM

It hasn’t just clicked for the defending champions who are enduring their worst season in ISL history.

Chennaiyin FC will look to dispel the gloom around the club when they take on FC Pune City in a Hero Indian Super League clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Chennai on Saturday.

It hasn’t just clicked for the defending champions who are enduring their worst season in ISL history. They are bottom of the table with just five points to their name in 13 games. More importantly, they have won just the one point out of a possible 18 at home - the worst record at home this season for any team.

Coach's Corner

John Gregory (Chennaiyin FC)

The team has failed to fire collectively with both the defence and the attack coming under the scanner. The defence has conceded 25 goals which is more than any other team. The absence of Mailson Alves due to suspension and the departure of Inigo Calderon further weakens the defence.

The addition of C.K.Vineeth and Halicharan Narzary in the winter transfer window will add more zing to their attack. However, the duo haven’t had much time to gel with the rest of their team-mates.

“We can play the full quota of foreigners but then when the AFC Cup and Super Cup comes along, the number of players are restricted. We have two new guys (Vineeth & Narzary) who have come in and it kind of helps us with the lack of foreigners in the lineup. I’m more than happy to play with Indian players. We are likely to make one or two replacements (foreigners). Of course, my mind is starting to drift towards the AFC Cup now,” said head coach John Gregory.

Phil Brown (Pune City)

FC Pune City will look to revive their season under the tutelage of new manager Phil Brown. Just like Chennaiyin FC, Pune too have struggled to replicate their form from last season.

“When the board of directors of Pune employed me, they told me about the situation and the six games are very important and that we win as many as we can. With a view to my future and future of the club, I understand the challenge. I told them (players) that I want to stay at the club, I want to be a manager in ISL. The only way to do that is giving a good account of myself. Only the players can do that for me and they will be doing that tomorrow and rest of the season,” revealed Brown.

Pune have won their last two matches and are looking for their third win on the trot. Marcelinho who looked a shadow of his former self initially is finally finding some form. Ashique Kuruniyan holds the key for the Orange brigade after his exceptional performance at the Asian Cup in Indian colours.

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Team News

Chennaiyin FC

The Marina Machans do not have any major injury concerns at the moment. However, they will miss out on Mailson Alves who is serving a suspension against Pune City.

FC Pune City

Although the Stallions do not have any major injury concerns, but Ashique Kuruniyan will be doubtful against the defending champions. Ace defender Gurtej Singh might return against the Marina Machans with Vishal Kaith, who is expected to be under the bars.

Probable Lineups

Chennaiyin FC- Karanjit (GK), Inigo, , Sabia, Tondonba, Germanpreet, Vineeth, Thapa, Augusto, Vanmalsawma, Salom

FC Pune City- Kaith (GK), Golui, Gurtej, Mills, Diaz, Tamang, Adil, Vila, Poojary, Carlos, Marcelinho

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Broadcast

The match will take place on Saturday at 7:30 PM at Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune. On television, the match will be live on Star Sports. Meanwhile, it will also be streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.

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ISL-Indian Super League