Chennaiyin FC's Irfan Yadwad opens up on his life, breakout season, and national team prospects
The 23-year-old hailed Owen Coyle’s support in his development as a better footballer.
Despite Chennaiyin FC’s dismal Indian Super League 2024-25 season, the club did have a bright spark named Irfan Yadwad. The 23-year-old forward scored five goals and gave four assists in 24 league games, starting all the games for Owen Coyle’s side.
Owing to his good form and commitment to cover the whole pitch, Irfan was also given his Indian national team debut by Manolo Marquez last year against Malaysia. The Marina Machans star recently sat down for an interview with Khel Now.
Irfan Yadwad hails from a football-crazy family
The 23-year-old star candidly shared how his father was one of his first inspirations to play the game of football. A former player, Yadwad’s father’s early career moulded his interest in the game from a young age.
When asked what inspired Irfan to become a footballer, the forward shared, “Firstly, my dad. My dad used to play local tournaments and all the village tournaments. So, I used to go every day and watch him play every day and secondly, Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Yadwad is a CR7 fan
The Marina Machans star has celebrated most of his goals this season in the ISL with the iconic ‘Siuuuu’ celebration. Hence, it was no surprise when the Chennaiyin FC player revealed his footballing icon.
The 23-year-old stated, “I always support Cristiano Ronaldo. I will support Ronaldo wherever he goes, but no club in particular.” Yadwad also added that in terms of Indian football, he idolizes Bengaluru FC and Indian icon Sunil Chhetri.
Irfan Yadwad highlights the difference between the ISL and the lower leagues
The Chennaiyin FC star’s journey has seen him play in the youth leagues of Goa before lacing his boots for Bengaluru United in I-League 2. Irfan was asked if there is a difference between playing in the ISL and playing in the ISL, and he stated, “Yeah, because playing in the ISL, the competition is very high.”
He added, “You cannot satisfy someone with one training session, good training sessions or one good game. So, you must be consistent daily in training and the matches, as it is quite a big league. So, you have to work hard every day, be focused and be consistent every day.”
Irfan Yadwad hails Owen Coyle’s influence in his rise
Owen Coyle has been Yadwad’s head coach at Chennaiyin FC for both his seasons at the club so far. When asked about his experience playing under the Scotsman, the youngster said, “Yeah, he has been good for me because last season I was, I think, I did not have that much time…I think last season, I made 17 appearances. So, that was a good first season. But this season, he has worked closely with me since day one. So, that was quite inspiring to me to play under him this season.”
While talking about Owen Coyle’s support, Irfan added, “He has been working with me so hard because, in the first six games, I did not score, but I scored in the seventh match. So, he used to tell me every day that I do not have to worry about the goals. ‘What you have been doing, I like that. So, keep up the great work and energy you bring to the game.’ So, that inspired me to come to every match and give my best.”
Has Irfan improved under Owen Coyle’s tutelage?
When asked if his game has improved under Owen Coyle, Irfan Yadwad stated, “Yeah, I have improved a lot because I was lagging in finishing and scoring goals last season. From this season he’s been working with me from day one…So, the coach always inspires me and always works with me in terms of finishing, in the training session every day. So, I’m always looking forward to doing well in the training session so that I can do it on match days.”
Talking about his experience with the Marina Machans, Yadwad shared, “Yeah, it’s been good because last season also the players were good and so were all the staff and coaches. This season also new players came in. So, a good group for both seasons. So, I’m enjoying myself at CFC.”
Irfan on Indian national team debut and working under Manolo Marquez
The 23-year-old made his Indian national football team debut against Malaysia last year. While talking about the experience, the Chennaiyin FC player stated, “Yeah, it’s been a great experience because that was also my first game with Coach Manolo Marquez…I was hanging out with Aakash Sangwan bhai, my ex-CFC teammate and Farukh bhai was also there. They were helping me a lot so it was a good experience for me for the first game.”
When enquired about what Manolo Marquez told him before the game, Irfan shared, “Yeah, he told me one thing because the day before the game I was lacking focus. He came and asked me, ‘Are you nervous?’ I told him, Yeah, I was nervous…So coach Manolo told me that it’s good that you are nervous because that’s normal. But when you enter the field, you don’t have to think about it, you just have to give your best and that’s what I tried in the debut match.”
What is Irfan Yadwad’s favourite position to play?
Having started his career as a striker, Irfan now doesn’t mind playing anywhere in the front three positions. He shared, “Now I don’t prefer any position, I just want to play. I can play striker or winger also. So, I don’t prefer it but just I want to play. That’s it.”
The Blue Tigers are on the lookout for their next big Indian striker. While Sunil Chhetri has been called back from retirement by Manolo Marquez, many fans feel this is just a temporary fix to the striker problem. When asked if he thinks he can become the next big goalscorer in Indian football, Irfan stated, “Yes, I believe in myself so I can be the best. So, I just want to keep up my hard work and what I have been doing in the club. So, I want to do the same in the national team also. I believe in myself that I can be the best.”
Irfan on his bond with Farukh Choudhary…
Farukh Choudhary and Irfan Yadwad are the two Chennaiyin FC representatives that have been called up for the Indian team. When asked about his relationship with Farukh, Yadwad shared, “He has been very good with me because last season was there and this season as well…Also in the national team Farukh bhai is here. I was very nervous before my Indian debut last year and he was helping me in every minute, every situation.”
Apart from being a teammate, Yadwad shares a brotherly bond with Choudhary. He shared how Choudhary has aided in the growth of his game and instilled a lot of faith in his abilities.
Irfan has lofty goals for the future
When asked about his aspirations, the 23-year-old said, “My first goal is to win a trophy at the CFC. Secondly, it is to make my parents proud. Because I want to give something to the family. My family’s expectations are very high with me. So, I want to give something back to them.”
With a young rising star like Yadwad in their lineup, Chennaiyin have a bright future ahead as they look to recapture their title contention form. Ahead of next season, the Marina Machans’s adoring fans will be keen to witness how Yadwad develops for both club and country.
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