We need to deny opponents spaces, asserts CFC coach Thomas Brdaric

A win against FC Goa will take Chennaiyin FC to the top of the table.

After kickstarting their campaign in style with a win over ATK Mohun Bagan, a spirited Chennaiyin FC made Bengaluru work hard in a drawn game on their return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The home side will be up against FC Goa this time, who have won their opening encounter against East Bengal. Prior to the game, Chennaiyin FC boss Thomas Brdaric and defender Narayan Das attended the press conference.

Here's what they had to say.

Performance in the first two ISL matches

Chennaiyin FC have won and drawn a game each so far in the first two matches of the ISL 2022-23. It has been a good start to the season and Thomas Brdaric's side currently occupies the third spot in the points table. 

The head coach addresses, “The result of the last match against Bengaluru could have been in all directions but we took a point. Having four points from two games is not bad. Pursuing our targets with this energy and intensity is what we want.” 

Slow starts in the first half and conceding a goal early

Chennaiyin FC, in both the matches they played, conceded an early goal in the first half and then bounced back in the latter stages of the game.

Brdaric explained, “We are in the process of team building. I have told players that it’s a long road from the beginning till the end. We have to fulfil our strengths, abilities and the desire to learn from our experiences. We need to deny opponent spaces to score goals. They must be attentive. When the whistle starts, you have to give 100 per cent”.

On Debjit Majumder’s replacement

The two-time champions will miss the services of their regular goalkeeper Debjit Majumder, who received a red card against Bengaluru. However, Thomas Brdaric is confident of a good show from his replacement Devansh Dabas.

Brdaric informed, “Devansh will replace Debjit. I’m sure Devansh will play on a good level. I like his attitude. Tomorrow will be his chance to play.”     

Narayan Das on his decision-making in certain situations

Narayan Das shed light on the importance of reacting to a situation and gameplay on the field. The defender emphasised, “It is important for players to make decisions on the field because when you are on the ground, playing against the opposition, you have to think according to the situation.”