Owen Coyle discusses Chennaiyin FC’s aspirations with tough run coming up in ISL

Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin FC will lock horns with Mohammedan SC in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Chennaiyin FC are going through a challenging run in their 2024-25 Indian Super League campaign and are itching to change their fortunes. The Marina Machans have won just one of their last 8 ISL games and are slowly slipping out of contention for the playoffs.

It seemed that Owen Coyle’s side had turned a new leaf after going 2-0 ahead against Odisha FC last Thursday. However, a late comeback from the Juggernauts broke the CFC supporters’ hearts as they dropped two crucial points in a 2-2 draw.

Up next, Chennaiyin FC travel to Kolkata to face a Mohammedan SC side that they lost to at the Marina Arena. While they are struggling to score goals, the Black Panthers pulled out a 1-0 win against Bengaluru FC over the weekend and will be more confident against CFC on Wednesday.

Also Read: Mohammedan SC vs Chennaiyin FC lineups, team news, prediction & preview

Owen Coyle addressed the press before their game against Mohammedan SC. Here is what the Chennaiyin manager said about his team’s goal for the rest of the ISL season.

Owen Coyle on Chennaiyin FC’s aspirations

The Chennaiyin FC supporters were hoping that the club will aim for at least a top four finish this season. But a bad run of form has taken the expectations right out of the window.

Talking about Chennaiyin FC’s aspirations from here on, Owen Coyle said, “Well the key for us is starting to win games, and that’s the key. I mean at this moment in time, would you take being in the top six? Absolutely. But there’s work to be done. We know we should be closer even from the Odisha FC game, we know that.”

“But what happens, and we’ve been there before, is that when you start to run out of games you must start to get wins and start to get them together and that’s what we have to do. So it’s very clear for us. We need to be really positive, go to Mohammedan, give a big performance, look to win the game, and then look to try and build that from there.”

Owen Coyle concluded by saying, “So yeah, that’s the nature of football. But we’ve always shown that we’re strong characters, we have a strong mentality, and we know how to win games, particularly at the business end of the season.”

Chennaiyin FC’s rough run of fixtures coming up

The Marina Machans have their backs against the walls with just 9 games to go this ISL season. With the team currently tenth, Owen Coyle and company need to start winning games and regain consistency.

Following the game against Mohammedan SC, things are going to get tougher for the two-time ISL champions. Chennaiyin will face Mohun Bagan at home before travelling to Goa to face the high-flying Gaurs.

CFC will end January facing their Southern rivals Kerala Blasters in Chennai. Owen Coyle’s side will certainly be seeking revenge after being beaten comprehensively in the reverse fixture.

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