Coming to Guwahati and playing NEUFC always difficult: Owen Coyle

Owen Coyle is not underestimating the Highlanders.

Chennaiyin FC have travelled to Guwahati to play their next Indian Super League fixture against NorthEast United at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Friday, 29 September 2023. Owen Coyle, head coach of Chennaiyin FC, spoke to the media ahead of the crucial fixture where the Marina Machans will be hoping to secure three points.

The tactician was joined by full-back Aakash Sangwan in the pre-match press conference and spoke about the mood in the dressing room ahead of a vital clash against NEUFC. Both teams enter the game with defeats in their previous fixtures respectively, which makes the upcoming clash extremely important.

Here are the excerpts from the media interaction:

Expecting a tough game

Owen Coyle expressed disappointment with the result in the opening contest and understands the challenge of facing NorthEast United after their opening fixture. He said, “The only disappointing thing was the result, not the performance. On another day, we would have won the game (against Odisha FC). We have to continue to grow and develop and be clinical when the chances present themselves. We know it’s a tough game. Coming to Guwahati and playing the NorthEast is always difficult. I watched their game against Mumbai City FC. They did very well and had a really good performance.”

Aiming for the playoffs

Owen Coyle expects to have a good season with CFC, hoping to propel them into the playoffs by the end of the campaign. “We’re keen to have a good season and a season by Chennaiyin FC’s previous standards. For a club with the history that Chennaiyin FC has, we have to look to get back to the top and in the playoffs,” he stated.

Need to have patience

Owen Coyle was upfront about the need to be patient in order to turn the fortunes of Chennaiyin FC around. “You don't come into a club, snap your fingers, and everything falls into place. We have to continue working hard. The players are a fantastic group to work with…We know what the plan is moving forward, the vision, and what we're going to do,” the tactician opined.

Furthermore, Owen Coyle praised the role played by the Indian Super League in developing the young talent of the country. He said, “In terms of young Indian talents in the ISL, I feel they are getting better. The ISL has been a big factor in that.”

Aakash Sangwan on the mood in the dressing room

Aakash Sangwan is an important player in the Chennaiyin FC ranks. He was asked about the mood amongst the players going into the game against NEUFC. In his response, he stated, “The guys are motivated. It is really nice playing under him (Coyle) because of how he speaks to the players. The camaraderie in the group is brilliant.”