Thomas Brdaric: We dictated the game and created many chances

The Chennaiyin FC head coach also heaped praise upon the fans.

Chennaiyin FC beat NorthEast United FC (4-3) in the final league game at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Thomas Brdaric's side finished the ISL 2022-23 season with 27 points occupying the eighth spot. Rahim Ali opened the scoring with Kwame Karikari, Anirudh Thapa, and Sajal Bag joining the party. NorthEast United fought back strongly and kept the match under check (3-3) until the 94th minute. Sajal Bag scored the winning goal and helped Chennaiyin FC win their final home match.

The post-match press conference was attended by head coach Thomas Brdaric. Excerpts are given below:

Thoughts on the game

Chennaiyin FC started the game on a positive note but NorthEast United fought back scoring two quick goals. Chennaiyin’s defence as always was the weakest link and the opposition made full use of it. 

Thomas Brdaric said, “It was a happy end. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to go to playoffs. We dictated the game today and created many chances. We finished the league with 27 points and got three points from today’s match. Overall it has been good and I am proud of it.”

Plans ahead of the Super Cup

The team will go in for a two-week break and start their preparations fresh for the Super Cup which is set to be held in April in Kochi. All the ISL teams will take part in the tournament alongside a few I-League teams.

The head coach iterated, “First of all, I am happy that I wouldn't see any people for two weeks. This will be the most important thing in the upcoming weeks. When I come back to India I will be the happiest to get around with the players and start the preparations for the Super Cup.”

Message to the fans

The 47-year-old happily said, “I love to be here in Chennai. The fans are very warm and give up good support which is very special. I appreciate them for being here at the stadium for every match and they are our 12th man. We need to stick together. None of the fans shouted negatively and have always remained positive. I am proud to be here as the coach of Chennaiyin FC.”

Has the team been complacent after taking the lead 

Chennaiyin FC have lost close to 12 points after taking the lead this season. The team started many games on a positive note but failed to maintain the momentum and lost crucial points.

Thomas Brdaric opined, “I would say the team does not have enough experience (lack of experience). The players need to learn from their mistakes which enables them to go to the next level. Sometimes the players think too much and become more complicated.”