"People say this is a southern derby, but I just see one reporter" - Clifford Miranda ahead of Bengaluru FC game
Chennaiyin FC settled for a 1-1 draw in their opening encounter of 2026/27 ISL against FC Goa.
Chennaiyin FC, who started their season with a draw against FC Goa at Fatorda, return to action in Game-week 2 of the 2026/27 Indian Super League (ISL) against southern rivals Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The match will be played on 17th October 2026, at 7:30 PM IST.
Clifford Miranda’s side showed glimpses of promise after a disappointing season last year, when they finished 13th in the standings, just one place above relegation. They had more possession and appeared to have a clear system of play but continued to look short of options in the final third, an issue that has carried over from last season.
Their next fixture is not expected to be any easier, as they travel to one of the toughest away grounds, where they have not won since the 2017/18 ISL final. Bengaluru FC are also a formidable side, coming off a strong 3-2 win against Sporting Club Delhi in their opening game.
Based on recent form and the squads, the clash is expected to be a tough test for the Marina Machans. Ahead of the trip to Bengaluru, head coach Clifford Miranda and right-back Namgyal Bhutia addressed the media. Here’s what they had to say.
Clifford Miranda on goal scoring woes
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Chennaiyin FC’s struggles in attack, which began at the start of the 2025/26 ISL season, continue. Clifford Miranda’s side have failed to score more than two goals in any of the 17 matches he has managed, including the 2025/26 AIFF Super Cup. Following the draw against FC Goa, Miranda once again stressed that his side needs to improve in this area. Here’s what he said about the work they have done to address these issues.
“When I say that we have to do better in the final third, it is from our perspective as to how we want to attack. When we arrive in the final third, how we want to take advantage of it with different attacking dynamics. It’s very important because it’s the most difficult but it’s the most important. The final part of the pitch, it’s the place where we need to get better. We need to be more confident, we need to be more bold. And we need to take risks in the final third because we are far away from our goal.”
“Until this moment, I feel in the last game we were very good. Arriving until the final third is where we have to improve and have to get better with our decision making as well. No matter how well we do, we will still have something or the other to improve. Especially in the final third and overall game as well.”, added Clifford Miranda.
Clifford Miranda on Bengaluru FC
Based on their opening-day performance, Bengaluru FC appear to be one of the league’s strongest attacking sides. Borja Martinez, Ryan Williams, Soham Varshneya and Mihailo Perovic looked dangerous with their shots and through their unpredictable movement in the frontline. Here is what Clifford Miranda had to say.
“Bengaluru FC have good players, dynamic players who are very fluid. Just because they conceded two goals doesn’t mean that they don’t have a good defensive record. The system that they play allows them to be fluid. The coach has done a good job to adapt to the players’ suitability, to play to the strengths of the players and to get it with the system that they are playing.”
“That allows them to have a lot of fluidity, a lot of movement. We have to defend in a way that doesn’t allow them much space. In the end, the most important thing is for us to be able to control the game and to be more decisive in the final third.”, commented Clifford Miranda.
Namgyal Bhutia on facing Bengaluru FC
Bhutia, who spent close to nine years with Bengaluru FC, returns to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in different club colors for the first time in his career. He spoke about his aim to help Chennaiyin FC secure their first win of the season.
“I am really excited to play against Bengaluru FC. They are a good team, but I believe in this team, in this coach’s tactics. We go there and give our best. Hopefully, we will get what we deserve. We will try to get three points.”, expressed Namgyal Bhutia
Also Read: Bengaluru FC vs Chennaiyin FC Preview: Predicted Lineups, Team News | ISL 2026-27
Known for his modern full-back role, defensive solidity and quality deliveries in attack, Bhutia has already registered his first assist of the season, setting up Irfan Yadwad’s goal against FC Goa.
“I don’t have (any personal goals), but I am just here to help my team. I will give my everything. If they want an assist, I will assist. If they want a score, if they want to go up and press, I will do that.”, said Namgyal Bhutia.
Clifford Miranda on his squad ahead of Bengaluru FC clash
When Chennaiyin’s matchday squad was announced against FC Goa, many fans were surprised to see Maheson, Vivek and Jiteshwor left out. Clifford Miranda provided an update on their absence, along with Glan Martins, who went off injured in the previous game, and Madih Talal, who was not fully fit.
“Maheson is injured. Vivek is injured. Jiteshwor will have to wait for his chance. He is working very hard in training. But I can only have 18 outfield players and 2 goalkeepers. I am very happy with his attitude since the first day of this season and last as well. Just that I can only take 18 and he may have to just wait for his chance. With Glan, he won’t be a part of Bengaluru FC game because he came off injured and he has done a bit of his hamstring. So, he will be out for a couple of weeks.”
“With regards to Madih (Talal), we will have to see. He is still not to his best physical condition. When he came here, he was working well. Unfortunately, he suffered a minor niggle for which he was out for 2 weeks. Then he came back and again he suffered a minor niggle. Again, he was out for a week. In the position that he plays and the quality that he brings and the way how he plays in this particular team, in the structure that we want him to, I think he is a very, very important player.
“So, we wouldn’t want to rush him. Rather use him more sparingly in a way where it benefits him and benefits the team as a whole.”, updated Clifford Miranda.
Clifford Miranda on his expectations from the media
Khel Now was the only media outlet present at the press conference to question the coach & the player. Clifford Miranda did not hide his disappointment at the lack of media personnel covering the fixture, questioning how it could be considered a derby without the media buzz surrounding his side and the game as a whole.
“I am sorry to say this, but you people say that this is a Southern Derby, but I just see one reporter. Not that we care, but how can it be a derby? Derby is when you see the buzz and things like that. This is my honest (answer). This is the truth. Derby is not for namesake or not on social media. When someone expects it to be a derby, it should be a derby in the right spirit. I know it’s a derby; we will work for us; it doesn’t matter whether it’s being covered or not.”
“Of course, fans can’t come here. Fans will come to the stadium, that is what I ask them. This is for the media.”, said a disappointed Clifford Miranda.
Is Madih Talal available for Chennaiyin FC against Bengaluru FC?
Clifford Miranda confirmed that Madih Talal is still not at his 100% fitness and insisted that his minutes has to be managed.
When did Chennaiyin FC last win at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium?
Chennaiyin FC have not won against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava stadium since the ISL 2017/18 finals.
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