Thomas Brdaric: Pity that we got only a point as we were the better team

The Chennaiyin FC tactician also heaped praise upon Petar Sliskovic and Aakash Sangwan.

Chennaiyin FC delivered an impressive performance in the Indian Super League (ISL 2022-23) to hold Hyderabad FC to a 1-1 draw at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday. The point keeps Thomas Brdaric's side's playoffs qualification hopes alive in the competition.

Petar Sliksovic gave the Marina Machans a well-deserved lead but a late equaliser by Bartholomew Ogbeche from the spot spoiled Chennaiyin's party. Thomas Brdaric was proud of the performance of his players and felt that they deserved more than a single point from the game.

Here are the excerpts from the conversation.

Proud of the players

Thomas Brdaric was happy yet a little disappointed with the result.

“I am really proud of the performance of my team. It was one of the best performances this season. We were stable and concentrated and did not give Hyderabad FC opportunities. It was a pity that we took only one point as we were the better team. I feel sorry for the players that they got one point for their efforts, disappointed with that,” he explained while speaking to the media.

Happy with the point

Chennaiyin FC were the underdogs heading into this game. The fact that his team outplayed one of the best teams in the league gave the head coach something to be happy about.

“It has been a long time since we created scoring chances and played good football. It did not reward us with three points. At the end of the day, we can go home with something in our hands,” he said in this context.

Positive going forward

A point will go a long way in keeping the playoffs hope alive for the Marina Machans. Speaking about the point and the upcoming challenges in the league, the tactician said, “We can compete with every opponent (in the league). We are physically good and execute well tactically. If we continue like this, I am sure it will be a good result at the end of the season for us.”

Praise for key players

Petar Sliskovic headed the ball into the net after latching on the cross from an Aakash Sangwan corner. “I liked Petar’s (Sliksovic) performance. He rewarded us with a goal and it was a good assist by Aakash (Sangwan). At the end of the day, it is his job to deliver good crosses into the box. Generally, all of the boys deserved more,” Brdaric said while praising both individuals for their contribution.