Owen Coyle suggests Kiyan Nassiri might start against East Bengal in ISL

Chennaiyin FC are yet to win at the Marina Arena this season.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 action returns to Chennai on Saturday as hosts Chennaiyin FC welcome East Bengal to the Marina Arena. Almost halfway into the season, Owen Coyle’s CFC would be looking for much-needed consistency as they look to push themselves up the table after consecutive losses.

East Bengal on the other hand are coming on the back of their first ISL win of this season having beaten a high-flying NorthEast United side. With an important three points at stake, the match will certainly be one to watch.

Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle addressed the press ahead of the game against the Kolkata club. Here is what the Scotsman said.

Owen Coyle’s thoughts on starting XI

Kiyan Nassiri was one of the names signed by the Marina Machans over the summer. The 24-year-old though has started just one of Chennaiyin FC’s 10 ISL games this season to the surprise of the fans.

When asked about Kiyan Nassiri’s situation in particular, Owen Coyle said, “There are a number of young players I’m desperate to get in the team. Young Kiyan has now been training well and he’s showing up and he’s getting closer to starting those games on a consistent run.”

The Chennaiyin FC manager added, “So, ultimately we start players on merit. You know, who plays well, who does well in the training, who’s looking good, who’s fit, everything goes with that. Kiyan came into the game against Mohun Bagan and I thought he showed one or two nice touches.”

“He did well when he started the game at Jamshedpur but we had to change him with Vincy’s injury. So, there’s no doubt that Kiyan is going to be a very, very good player. But again, you know, you can only start eleven. But there are good players there chatting at the door. And you may see some changes tomorrow.”

Owen Coyle talks about winning upcoming home games

Chennaiyin FC have played just three out of their 10 ISL 2024-25 fixtures at home so far. Still searching for their first home win, December will be a crucial month for the club. The Marina Machans will play East Bengal, Hyderabad FC, and Bengaluru FC at the Marina Arena to close out the year.

Talking about a crucial home stretch, Owen Coyle said, “We’ve shown that we can beat good teams and we have already done it on the road. What we want to do is now show it at home and get back to the form we finished the season at home last year.”

“What we want to do is start doing that again. Start winning games at home. Getting that good feeling from everybody, Putting a smile on the fans’ faces. If we work hard as we do, stick together, and show our quality, we’ll start to win those games. I’m convinced about that,” Owen Coyle concluded

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