Kiyan Nassiri highlights chances for playing in national team ahead of ISL clash

Kiyan Nassiri wants to play more minutes and win trophies with Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC have been quite inconsistent in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season so far. The Marina Machans won their last game 1-0 against Hyderabad FC and will be facing Mumbai City FC next on Saturday.

Owen Coyle’s side are currently 9th in the ISL table and have picked up just four wins in their 12 league games. The two-time ISL champions have not won against Mumbai City since 2020 and hence their next game will not be an easy task against the Islanders.

Kiyan Nassiri attended the press conference ahead of the game against Mumbai City FC. Here’s what the young Chennaiyin FC player said ahead of their crucial fixture against Mumbai City FC.

Kiyan Nassiri on not starting enough games so far with Chennaiyin FC

The 24-year-old has started just 2 ISL games for Chennaiyin FC this season. When asked about this Kiyan Nassiri said, “I would say I am just trying my best in training and it is not in my hands who makes it into the first eleven.”

“Obviously I can train and do very well and just keep my head up and just keep training every day and give my 100 percent. I think by just working and if the coach decides I am fit to play and I should be playing, then I will be there.”

What is Kiyan Nassiri’s preferred position?

When asked about his preferred position, Kiyan said, “It is a difficult question to answer because I can play as a winger and as a ten (attacking midfielder). So obviously it depends on the play style of the opposition and what the coach decides.”

Goals for the 2024-25 season

When asked about his goals for this season with Chennaiyin FC, Kiyan Nassiri said, “We plan to just get better every season and with winning I would say the mentality is always to win something with the club and I hope we get that this season.”

Kiyan Nassiri on working under Owen Coyle

When asked about how life has been under Owen Coyle and if he has seen any improvement in his game, Kiyan Nassiri opined, “I wouldn’t say just me but improvement I would say for quite a few of the boys. He backs you a lot in training and gives you a lot of confidence so you can express yourself more on the ball.”

“He wants you to express a lot of yourself with the ball in the final third. I think that is one way I would say I have gotten better and I am more happy that obviously I am playing and I am getting more on the ball and I am just trying to enjoy my football.”

Kiyan’s thoughts on playing for the Indian national football team

The 24-year-old was selected in the national team camp earlier in the year however he is yet to make his debut for the Blue Tigers.

When asked about playing for the Indian national football team, Kiyan Nassiri stated, “Obviously, I want to play more and I can only get a national team call-up if I play. So again, I am just going to work hard and let’s see what happens. I can’t think of the national team all the time by not playing. So it’s not a realistic goal. Right now, I just want to play football.”

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