As a group, we need to defend better: Chennaiyin FC boss Owen Coyle

Ninthoinganba Meetei ensures that he will give his best to help the club rank higher.

Chennaiyin FC is up against Jamshedpur FC in their next Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 fixture on Thursday at the JRD Tata Sports Complex. The Marina Machans have lacked rhythm at the start of the 2023-24 campaign. They will hope to find momentum by beating the Men of Steel.

The head coach of Chennaiyin FC, Owen Coyle, was Jamshedpur FC’s head coach in the past when they won the Indian Super League Shield during the 2021-22 season. He understands that the upcoming challenge is going to be tough for Chennaiyin FC but it is a game that is winnable.

He was joined by winger Ninthoinganba Meetei during the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Jamshedpur FC. Here are the excerpts from the conversation:

Looking for a win

On the subject of recent performances, Owen Coyle speaks highly of his players and their commitment towards the club’s long-term plans. He said, “Want to win every game. Our performances have been of a high standard. The lads have been playing well despite injuries and suspensions. What we are doing is building something and making it sustainable for the long term.”

“We go to a tough venue with an amazing set of supporters. Every home game there is sold out. Jamshedpur FC is amazing. We are looking forward to the game and it’s one that we can win,” he said on the prospect of facing Jamshedpur FC in their backyard. 

Devastation by Cyclone Michaung

Owen Coyle spoke about needing perspective after the city of Chennai was devastated by Cyclone Michaung in the last few days. In the context of whether the squad was able to train, Coyle said, “The team will be ready for the game. No, we did not train for a few days (because of the cyclone) but our thoughts and prayers from the whole football club are with everybody in the city and people who tragically lost their lives. We have a football game to play but in the grand scheme of things, we did not train but we got to have some perspective.”

Need to be at the very best

Owen Coyle believes that beating Jamshedpur FC will require his team to perform well defensively and in attack. He was quoted as saying, “Jamshedpur FC is strong defensively. We don’t change the way we play. We play to win games. As a group, we need to defend better. We have created the most big chances in the league which shows our creativity and the quality we have in wide areas. We will continue to try to play on the front foot.”

Ninthoinganba Meetei on his form

Ninthoinganba Meetei joined the head coach in the press conference and talked about recovering from his injury and wanting to improve. Speaking about his performances, he said, “I am not doing enough right now. But, to help the club go higher in the table, I hope to do well in the coming matches and give my best.”

“Post that injury, I am slowly getting better, stronger. Thanks to the coach for supporting me and pushing me every day” the winger said referring to his recovery from a recent injury that kept him out of action. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.