Head coach Clifford Miranda insists Chennaiyin FC are on the right path ahead of Punjab FC clash

Punjab FC will host the Marina Machans

Chennaiyin FC, who are playing their first season in the ISL under an Indian head coach, have struggled to find rhythm and consistency this campaign. The Marina Machans are currently placed 12th in the 2025/26 ISL standings, just 2 points ahead of Odisha FC in 13th.

Despite signing six foreigners (although only five of them have been available for most of the season), Chennaiyin FC have been underwhelming, especially considering the quality of their domestic core. They are averaging less than a point per game and have managed just one win in their last six matches.

Their last two results have been particularly disappointing. They failed to beat relegation-threatened Mohammedan SC at home before suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat at the Furnace. Next up, they remain on the road for another away fixture against Punjab FC in Delhi.

Ahead of the match, head coach Clifford Miranda and fellow Goan Klusner Pereira addressed the media on the team’s form, the step up to the ISL, and several other key talking points.

Clifford Miranda on the Jamshedpur defeat:

The defeat against Jamshedpur FC was arguably one of Chennaiyin FC’s worst performances under Clifford Miranda, if not the worst. The Marina Machans were second best throughout, with Jamshedpur FC winning the 50/50s, dominating the duels, taking their chances, and executing their game plan to perfection. Clifford Miranda described it as a disastrous performance, particularly because of the way his side defended and their failure to get the basics right.

“In the last game, we were a disaster. I am not just talking about defenders; I am talking as a team. Our defence was a disaster, and the players know it. I have made it known to them. We were not up to it, especially in defending. And this is right from the first half itself because we lost our 1v1 battles, we were slow to close down, we were slow to win second balls, and we were second best in the air. And especially from every restart, we were very slow to react,”, acknowledged Clifford Miranda.

Clifford Miranda on Punjab FC and their strengths:

Punjab FC, meanwhile, have enjoyed a strong campaign so far, losing only two of the nine matches they have played. They have looked sharp in attack while remaining solid at the back. Speaking about the opposition, Clifford Miranda acknowledged Punjab FC’s quality and spoke highly of the players in their squad.

“Regarding Punjab, everyone knows that they are a very good team going forward. Their strongest players are in the offensive third. With the striker (Effiong), the ten (Dani Ramirez), also one of the eight (Samir Zeljkovic), joining the attack and one of their foreign wingers (Osuji) playing on the left-hand side. Besides, they have some very, very good Indian players, young, promising, quick, fast. So, we know it’s difficult.” 

“And we know that they are a threat, especially when they play direct. They play one or two passes and directly try to split open the two halves and two teams and play the ball to the attackers. And from there on, they are very good individual players. We need to really defend well as a group and shouldn’t give them space in the middle. If we are anything less than 100 per cent, then it will be very, very difficult for us. Because they are very good offensively, in offensive moments, especially in transitions,”, added Clifford Miranda.

Clifford Miranda on focusing on playing style vs results debate:

Whenever a new coach takes charge and looks to introduce a different style of play, there is naturally a period of adjustment for both the players and the coach to understand each other. However, the focus cannot rest solely on the playing style, results and final league position matter just as much. Addressing Chennaiyin FC’s performances so far, Clifford Miranda remained firm that the primary objective this season is to implement his style of play within the team.

“We know exactly what we are trying to build. I believe we are on the right path. Let’s not treat it like a normal season where you have a lot of time for pre-season. When you try to do something different from what the team has been doing earlier, it takes time. Anywhere you go and take another job and do something different, it will take time for you to get to know it individually. Imagine collectively, with 28, 9 players, how much, how long it will take. It will take time. We can already see moments of what we want to do. But you require time, a bit of quality in certain positions, in certain moments.”

“We are, as coaching staff, as a group, we are trying to adapt to the players’ strengths, but within the philosophy. Because if you go beyond that and if you do something different, then it will be like doing whatever. Most important is to still understand the way how we want to play. And that will not change until the last game,”, insisted Clifford Miranada.

Clifford Miranda on Prakadeeswan’s minutes:

One of the few positives to emerge from Chennaiyin FC’s 4-1 loss against Jamshedpur FC was the emergence of Prakadeeswaran. Coming off the bench, the youngster scored a superb curling effort to register his first goal in the ISL as well as for Chennaiyin FC’s senior side. Clifford Miranda stressed the importance of not rushing the 19-year-old and insisted that he should be integrated gradually into the first team setup.

“I don’t want to put immediate pressure on Prakadeeswan because he is a young boy. He has never played at any level before, and he is coming directly to the ISL at 19 years old. So, we shouldn’t put pressure on him. At this moment, he should work hard and enjoy his football irrespective of where the team finishes, the position of the team or the result. And this is what I want him to do. Do not take any sort of pressure, and we shouldn’t give him any, both internal and external. He should enjoy his football,” commented Clifford Miranda.

Klusner Pereira on stepping up to the ISL from lower division:

Klusner Pereira, meanwhile, has made a significant leap from the lower divisions of Indian football to the Indian Super League. The left-back has enjoyed a fair amount of game time for the Marina Machans this season, with many of his appearances coming from the bench. He spoke about the step up, highlighting the differences in the tempo of the game on the pitch and the mentality required off it compared to the divisions he had played in previously.

“It’s the same level of intensity, pressing, everything. So, it’s not been too difficult. But, since it’s the highest level, there’s more pressure. So, with football, it’s never, never easy. Whichever level you play, to win, it’s always the same thing, same mentality. Everything is the same. Nothing different. It’s been good working with this team. There are so many good players. So, it is a good competition in the team as well,” said Klusner Pereira.

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