Thomas Brdaric: Team held on to the pressure pretty well

The Chennaiyin FC boss also spoke of FC Goa's playoffs qualification chances.

Chennaiyin FC defeated FC Goa (2-1) at the Fatorda stadium in Goa. Kwami Karikari scored both goals and was adjudged the man of the match. Thomas Brdaric's army, after an eight-match winless streak are set to finish the ISL 2022-23 season on a positive note, winning two consecutive matches, against East Bengal and FC Goa.

FC Goa were dominant in the first half apart from conceding the opening goal and came back stronger in the second half. The home team failed to make use of the opportunities, costing them the game.

Chennaiyin FC hold on to the eighth spot and have 24 points in their kitty. The post-match press conference was attended by head coach Thomas Brdaric. Excerpts from the same are mentioned below:

Thoughts about the game

Chennaiyin FC’s defence stood tall and conceded only one goal. The away team has succumbed to pressure situations in the past but today they handled it very well with Fallou Diagne and Vafa Hakhamaneshi combining well in the centre-back position.

The head coach said, “My team held on to the pressure pretty well and winning against FC Goa away is good. We have started to learn from the past and played a good game. Also, we had luck on our side but put in a lot of commitment for 90 minutes and deserved the win. Let’s enjoy the victory today and move forward.”

Less pressure bringing in results?

Chennaiyin FC won two successive matches (beating East Bengal and FC Goa) after losing out on playoff chances. FC Goa were eager to get all three points and applied constant pressure on Chennaiyin, whereas the away team attacked whenever they got their chances. 

Thomas Brdaric iterated, “My aim is to win all the matches and bag three points. Our objective is to win all the matches possible and learn from the past.”

Comments on FC Goa

The Chennaiyin FC boss, after winning the game, spoke on FC Goa's chances of making it into the playoffs.

The 47-year-old opined, “It was a crucial match for FC Goa and they required three points today. But unfortunately, the result didn't go in their favour. Carlos Pena is a good coach and has been working well and still. FC Goa have the chance of qualifying for the playoffs if they win their last match.”