I would like to add some 'my' type of players to squad in January, says Owen Coyle

The Chennaiyin FC boss also spoke about some key decisions which didn’t go in his side’s favour.

Owen Coyle was not impressed by some refereeing decisions going against Chennaiyin FC in their 3-0 defeat to Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday in the 2023-24 Indian Super League. The tactician suggested that failing to score the opening goal of the game swung the match in favour of the hosts.

Allowing a team like Mumbai City FC to take the lead, with the quality of players the side has, made the job difficult for Chennaiyin FC, according to the Scottish tactician. He also spoke about key decisions being in favour of MCFC, his team’s chances of making it into the playoffs and more during the post-match press conference.

Here are the excerpts:

Turning point

Owen Coyle suggested that the hosts scoring the first goal swayed the game in their favour whereas his team created chances but did not convert them initially. He said, “Goals change the game. I have been informed that the first goal was completely offside, so that changed the game. We were very promising in the first half and had some great chances. Mumbai City FC have wonderful players. They have invested heavily into the squad with the finance they have at their disposal. They should be fighting for (ISL) Shields every year.”

“I have to give credit to Mumbai. They have a fantastic setup, and are a great club. When they go in front, it changes the game and that’s what happened,” he added.

Not scoring in the first half

The Scottish boss suggested that some key refereeing decisions went against his team which changed the complexion of the game, including the soft penalty decision in the first half. In this context, he said, “Had we gone in front, Mumbai would have had to do what we had to do in the second half which was a lot more attack-minded. So, of course, it changed the whole dynamic. We need to get the key incidents in a match right. It is (the result) hard to take because we were comfortable in the first half. There were several things (decisions) that went against us.”

Owen Coyle hints possible additions to the squad

Owen Coyle hinted that Chennaiyin FC will aim to add players to his liking in January if the outfit is to ensure a playoff qualification. “Chennaiyin FC have been in the playoffs once in the last five seasons. The top five teams have been doing well (this season) and we are currently sitting sixth so we can make the playoffs. I would look to change things up in January and add some of my type of players to the squad,” he said, indicating that there will be additions to the team. He also went on to refer to the model at Kerala Blasters which has brought consistency to their club.

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