ISL 2025-26: Clifford Miranda wants more from Chennaiyin FC’s foreign stars

Chennaiyin FC to take on Kerala Blasters FC in Matchweek 4 of ISL

Southern rivals Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters are set to lock horns in the Indian Super League (ISL) with both sides searching for their first real momentum of the season. Sitting near the bottom of the table after three matches, the upcoming Southern Derby carries added pressure.

Ahead of the clash, Chennaiyin FC head coach Clifford Miranda reflected on his team’s performances so far and stressed the need for the club’s foreign players to step up and make a bigger impact.

Clifford Miranda talks about Inigo Martin’s goalscoring drought

Signed by Chennaiyin FC in January, Inigo Martin is leading the line for the Southern club this season. However, the forward has had a tough start to life in India and is yet to get off the mark and missed a couple of big opportunities against Odisha FC last Sunday.

Talking about Inigo Martin, Clifford Miranda said, “It’s been difficult for him, you know, and especially because it’s his first time in the league in India. He needs to understand. It always takes time for someone who’s new to this league to understand it and the various dynamics of it. Also, we didn’t get enough time to work with him.”

“But especially if you’re a striker, it’s always difficult because it’s the most challenging position of all the positions that are there because you get very less time and you have to decide very quickly. At this moment, for me, the only thing that we can have is a conversation that is to be positive.”

“With Inigo, it is just to keep the confidence going, for him to keep doing the right things and keep believing in himself, the team and in the process, that is the most important thing. He has to keep going, keep working, keep doing the right things and sooner or later, hopefully things will change for him and for us as well.”

Clifford Miranda talks about his foreign players

Aside from Inigo Martin, Chennaiyin FC have Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Alberto Noguera, Eduardo Kau, and Elsinho as a part of their foreign contingent. Daniel Chima Chukwu is also supposed to join the squad, however, there is no news of his arrival yet.

Clifford Miranda said, “We have 28 players, but foreigners do play a big part. This is the truth because they get quality, they get leadership, they get charisma, they get character. Not that Indian players don’t have. But to further bolster a team, you need foreign signings and I think we have good foreign players, good characters, I would say, you know, and going forward, we can improve.”

“We should improve both collectively as a group and as a team in terms of the way we approach the game, the way we play the game. Also importantly, how we integrate as a group, which is, at the moment, very nice. I’m very pleased with it and hopefully things will change for us is the most important thing.”

“I expect more from our foreign players, to be honest. But at the same time, I expect more from some of the senior Indian players that we have in my team. It’s very clear in terms of work rate, in terms of how I want them to understand the game. I expect more and I demand more from both my Indian players as well as my foreign players. When I set out the team, I don’t see what nationality, but I pick players who can give us the best on that particular day. It is very simple.”

Clifford Miranda shares his thoughts on Kerala Blasters’ current form

Just like Chennaiyin FC, Kerala Blasters are also seeking their first win of their ISL campaign.

For the first time in their club’s history, KBFC have recorded three consecutive losses to start their season.

Talking about Chennaiyin’s opponents, Clifford Miranda said, “Kerala Blasters have had difficult games, similar to us and they, I would believe, were a little unlucky to have come out with nothing from those games. What’s more, they are playing in Kochi, in Kerala, which is never, never easy. You go with any team there and you will find it difficult, with the fans or without the fans.”

“So, I believe their story is very similar to ours, where they have a lot of possession and they create chances. But Kerala was unlucky to have not come out with something from the game. We are under no illusion and It’s going to be a very, very difficult game for us.”

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