Owen Coyle thanks fans for support after defeat to East Bengal in ISL 2024-25

PV Vishnu and Jeakson Singh scored to secure the win for East Bengal at the Marina Arena

Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin FC lost their third consecutive game of their 2024-25 Indian Super League campaign on Saturday as East Bengal strolled to a 2-0 win at the Marina Arena. The home side were clueless, especially in the second half as they failed to score.

The Marina Machans have played four games at home but are yet to win any. Head Coach Owen Coyle addressed the media in the post-match press conference and took responsibility for the loss. He vowed to regroup his side before the match against Hyderabad FC on Wednesday.

What did Owen Coyle say regarding the loss to East Bengal?

Talking to the media, the Chennaiyin FC manager said, “There was a lot of frustration tonight, given what I expected from some of the players that took the field. I mean, if they all brought the energy that Connor Shields brings, and how he gets about the game, then you’re a champion team, for sure.”

“There’s a few players that certainly, for sure, have to step up to the plate. But ultimately, that responsibility lies with me. I’m the one that puts them on the team, so I’m the one that bears any brunt of that.”

Owen Coyle added, “I’ve got no problem with that, I’ve had that before. I’ll take that punching in the nose, and I’ll make sure that we regroup and get a team on the field that I think is going to be representative of what we need for our supporters.”

What did Owen Coyle say about the Chennaiyin FC fans?

The Chennaiyin FC fans came into the stadium seeking their first home win of the season against East Bengal. However, they were left disappointed once again as the home side produced a lackluster performance. The CFC players were also booed after the game by a section of supporters in attendance as chants of “Fight for the Badge” were heard loudly in the stadium.

Talking in regards to the supporters, Owen Coyle said, “If you don’t take your chances, you’re going to be punished, and we were heavy. My sense of disappointment is for the fans. They come, they’re colourful, they get behind the team, they support them to the final whistle and they’re always there. We’ve left them now feeling not particularly great, having lost a game at home.”

“We were desperate to get back home having played all these away games and it’s an opportunity we have passed on by. We can’t afford to keep letting opportunities pass on by as it gives us a mountain to climb”

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