We needed game-changers, says Thomas Brdaric after JFC triumph

Chennaiyin FC now have 10 points after six matches.

Chennaiyin FC won their first home game of the season, courtesy of a 3-1 win against Aidy Boothroyd's Jamshedpur FC. Thomas Brdaric's side rode on goals from Petar Sliskovic, Vincy Barretto and a goal-of-the-season contender from Nasser El Khayati. Ishan Pandita notched up what looked like the equalizer for the visitors in the 75th minute. But it turned out to be a mere consolation in the end.

As a result, Chennaiyin FC now have 10 points and are in the sixth spot. Their head coach Thomas Brdaric took time to answer some questions following his side's win. Here's what he said.

First home win of the season

Chennaiyin FC won their first home game of the season after two defeats against FC Goa and Mumbai City. Speaking about the win, the tactician replied, "We work hard every day for moments like today. I'm very happy for the club, the owners, the fans and everyone at the club. We concentrated a lot this week to be more organized and reduce some silly mistakes. But overall, we can be very happy (with the performance)."

A different approach

Chennaiyin FC were staring at another game where they were threatening to spill the game after taking the lead. The home side's lead was cut short by Ishan Pandita's wonderful goal. But Brdaric's men instead of slumping down, picked up their pace and scored another through Vincy Barretto only seconds after the equalizer. Eight minutes later, El Khayati showcased brilliant skill to score the third and put the game past Jamshedpur's reach.

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• Ratings: Nasser El Khayati cameo helps Chennaiyin FC overcome Jamshedpur FC

When asked about the change in his players following the equalizer, Thomas Brdaric asserted, "Games are very close in the ISL. These kinds of moments can happen in every game (referring to scoring immediately after the equalizer). If you are not proper in defending, you concede and opponents will punish you."

He continued, "We were planning to make some changes (before JFC's goal). Petar (Sliskovic) signalled that he couldn't carry on. So, we made the change and we had a bit of luck. So, I'm happy to have made that change. I had a plan in my mind and I tried to put the players that can execute that plan. We didn't really plan to concede that equalizer and then go again. But I had my players on the bench who were very important as well. We needed game-changers."

"I always want my players to be ready and put in the effort when they are on the pitch because they have the power and are prepared mentally and physically. I'm happy with these changes and the players who came on," the mentor added.

The challenge of replacing Anirudh Thapa and Jiteshwor Singh

Chennaiyin FC had to play without their two influential midfield figures, Anirudh Thapa and Jiteshwor Singh. As a result, Brdaric had to play Sajal Bag and Jhockson Dhas. The latter chipped in with an assist for the first goal.

Speaking about dealing with the challenge of replacing the duo, Thomas Brdaric replied, "To deal with so many players missing is tough. But we have a big squad and we try to involve everybody in this family. But not everybody gets the opportunity to play from the beginning. Now we have played six games and these players (fringe players) will be decisive down the road (campaign). We want to support the players who are a little bit behind. We have this opportunity to build a new team. So, there is a long-term view of it as well."

"We want to build a healthy atmosphere, so we need everyone in the team. The game last week hurt and I was responsible, not the team because I had some ideas which I couldn't implement. But today, we won altogether," he concluded.