Chennaiyin FC's Owen Coyle outlines 'fans demand' ahead of Odisha FC clash in ISL

Chennaiyin FC fans have been vocal about the club’s bad form in recent games.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 table is beginning to take shape. However, things are not looking good for the two-time ISL champions Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin FC, who are currently 10th in the league standings. The Marina Machans next face Odisha FC in what will surely be a tough game for them.

Talking to the media before the game against Odisha FC, Owen Coyle addressed a few points including the fans’ demands. Here is what the Chennaiyin FC manager said.

Owen Coyle on the Chennaiyin supporter’s demands

Having suffered five losses in six ISL games, the Chennaiyin FC fans put up banners and took to social media after the 4-2 loss to Bengaluru FC. There have been demands of constantly finishing in the playoff spots and aiming for silverware.

Addressing this, Owen Coyle said, “Well, I already spoke to the fans after the last game. Fans love the club and, you know, we talk about demands, you know. I think what happens with fans is there’s an expectation level. This club in its infancy had been up in the early years when there were eight teams and everybody had the same budget, everybody spent the same money.”

“That’s not the same league now. That’s a different league. So, ultimately, when you talk about fans, it’s not fans, the word is a supporter. That’s the word, supporter and the word supporter means to support. Don’t just support when you’re winning. That’s easy, Anybody does that.”

The Chennaiyin FC manager added, “Do you think every team of the 13 teams think, oh, we want to win the ISL Shield, of course they do. But you’re not going to do it and there are different reasons for that. Demands, keep your demands for yourself. As long as the demand that I ask is that players give everything on the field. When they give everything on the field, then fans know they’ve represented them and that’s what we have to do.”

Owen Coyle concluded by saying, “If you want to come to support your team, then support them and get behind them. Whether they’re winning, whether they’re drawing, whether they’re losing, that’s the word support. To support your team. Very simple.”

Owen Coyle on the January transfer window

Chennaiyin FC have reportedly signed 20-year-old Maheson Singh from Punjab FC in the January transfer window. When asked if the club will make signings this month, Owen Coyle responded positively.

The Scotsman said, “Yeah, well, so the January window is always difficult because clubs are reluctant to let good players go. So more often than not, you’ll find that maybe like a fringe player, somebody that’s a really good player that maybe they’re not playing for a reason.”

Owen Coyle concluded by saying, “So we’re actively trying to boost the squad where we can. It has to come within our parameters and what we do. But yeah, we’d like to freshen up with one or two, for sure.”

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