Thomas Brdaric: Pro players shouldn't care about attendance & focus on game

The Chennaiyin FC boss also spoke about Nasser El Khayati's importance in the team.

Chennaiyin FC are set to take on Kerala Blasters on 7th February at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi, Kerala. Thomas Brdaric's side are currently placed eighth with 18 points from 16 games and are on a seven-match winless streak. The chances of qualifying for the playoffs look bleak but winning the last four matches can give them some respite. Kerala Blasters on the other hand are on a three-match losing streak and will look to end the run by winning in front of their home fans.

The pre-match press conference was attended by head coach Thomas Brdaric. Excerpts from the same are below.

Do you still believe in qualifying for the playoffs?

Chennaiyin FC only have four games left and will have to win all of them in order to stay in contention for the playoffs.

The head coach looked optimistic as he said, “Yes, we are trying hard to win all the matches possible. There have been a few decisions which haven't gone in our favour but we still have four games remaining and shall look to win all the matches and qualify in the sixth spot. Sometimes, I cannot believe that we are in eighth place but we have to keep going till the end.”

Is Nasser El Khayati fit to play the whole match?

El Khayati is the second-highest goal scorer for Chennaiyin FC with seven goals from six games. The Dutchman scored a crucial equaliser against Odisha FC in the last game and has been the crisis man whenever on the field.

Thomas Brdaric iterated, “El Khayati is a very important player and we need him in our game. He is very motivated all the time and I am proud to have such players. He will help us pursue our targets. Also, we need to adapt to situations when El Khayati is not available and play according to the game plan.”

Difference between playing in Chennai and Kerala in front of a full house?

Kochi has been perhaps the only stadium which has produced the highest numbers, irrespective of their team's performance or results. The fans are excellent as they're always there to support the home team. The mentor opined,” For me, it doesn't matter whether we are playing in front of a full house or not. Professional players shouldn't care about attendance but rather focus on the game.”

Will Givson Singh play against Kerala Blasters?

Givson Singh was signed by Chennaiyin FC (on loan) from Kerala Blasters a few weeks back. The 20-year-old midfielder did not receive much game-time this season at Kerala Blasters, and thereby chose an alternate path.

The head coach iterated,” We have given chances to most of our young players and have invested in them. Youngsters like Jiteshwor Singh and Sajal Bag, after training hard, have got their chances and are performing well. It has only been two weeks since the arrival of Givson, who looks like a good talent. He will probably get his chance going forward.”