Three positions Chennaiyin FC need to strengthen ahead of next season

Chennaiyin FC need to sort out their defence ahead of next season

Chennaiyin FC suffered another disappointing campaign in the 2024-25 season as they finished 11th in the Indian Super League. The Marina Machans were also knocked out in the group stage of the Durand Cup and the first round of the Kalinga Super Cup.

There was a lot of hype surrounding Owen Coyle’s side before the season started. Their 3-2 win over Odisha FC in ISL’s matchweek 1 boosted the expectations. However, things felt flat midseason as Chennaiyin FC conceded goals for fun.

Individual errors in defence and a lack of chances being created in attack derailed CFC’s season. The fans too were vocal as they expressed their disappointment after another trophyless campaign for the club.

While a major overhaul is expected in terms of foreign players, as of now, Owen Coyle is expected to continue as the head coach. Here are three positions Chennaiyin FC should consider improving if they want to challenge for silverware once again.

Chennaiyin FC should go for foreign wingers

It has become very clear that Chennaiyin FC have relied on crosses and long balls to create chances under Owen Coyle. While Irfan Yadwad has impressed, the likes of Farukh Choudhary, Kiyan Nassiri, and Vincy Baretto have all had underwhelming seasons.

The Marina Machans should consider signing a quality foreign right winger or at least consider retaining Connor Shields and playing him on the wings rather than in central midfield. This will help deliver better crosses in the box and also increase their goal scoring odds.

Ryan Williams and Noah Sadaoui are prime examples of how ISL clubs have found success by playing quality foreigners on the wings. Chennaiyin FC could even play foreigners on both wings and start Irfan Yadwad as the striker, as the youngster has shown his goal scoring prowess this season.

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Centre-Backs are the need of the hour

PC Laldinpuia, Pritam Kotal, Elsinho, and captain Ryan Edwards were the four centreback options at the club currently. While Elsinho was decent, the remaining three underperformed and did make quite a few individual errors.

The Marina Machans lacked calmness in defence and this cost them dearly as their opponents scored goals for fun. Chennaiyin FC conceded 39 goals in 24 ISL games this season and this has to be arrested if they want to have a shot at the playoffs next season.

The two-time ISL Champions should replace either or both of their foreign defenders and also sign at least one quality centre back this summer. If CFC get their defence right, they have enough quality to hurt their opponents both home and away.

Chennaiyin FC need physicality in midfield

It was a common sight to see the Marina Machans get dominated in midfield this season. Owen Coyle generally played Lukas Brambilla and Connor Shields with either Hnamte or Jiteshwor in central midfield.

The tactic failed as CFC’s opponents at times overloaded their midfield as the Blues were not physical enough on the ball. To add to this, the team also failed to stitch passes and managed to keep an average possession of 43.4% over the entire season.

It is important that Chennaiyin FC take this into account and bring in a physical ball playing midfielder. This will in turn also help them in setpieces to both defend and attack their opponents goal.

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