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What does Chennaiyin FC need to do in January transfer window?

Published at :December 27, 2024 at 1:53 AM
Modified at :December 27, 2024 at 1:53 AM
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Aasif Ali


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Chennaiyin FC have had problems scoring goals and keeping clean sheets.

The 2024-25 Indian Super League season has reached the halfway point. While Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC, and FC Goa have emerged as the ISL Shield contenders, other teams are fighting for the remaining playoff berths.

Apart from Hyderabad FC and Mohammedan SC, any of the remaining 11 ISL teams can stake their claim for a playoff spot. Every win or loss will have its own consequence and hence clubs could dive into the January transfer market for new personnel.

Two-time ISL Cup winners Chennaiyin FC are no exception. The Marina Machans are not enjoying the best of seasons and the winter transfer window could be crucial for their chances of getting another top-six finish.

How is the season going for Chennaiyin FC?

After 13 games, Chennaiyin FC are currently placed 9th with 15 points in the ISL table. Owen Coyle’s side have picked up four wins, lost six games, and shared the points on three occasions.

While the Marina Machans had a strong start to their league campaign, they have been disappointing in recent games. In their last six ISL games, CFC have picked up just one win, losing four and playing out a draw against Mumbai City FC.

Individual errors have cost the club dearly as they have conceded 19 goals in 13 ISL games. Owen Coyle’s side have scored just one goal in their last five games and this is something that the manager needs to take care of as soon as possible.

The Chennaiyin FC supporters have not been happy with the direction their club is heading and have voiced out their concerns in the stadium and on social media. CFC have picked up just one home win in five games and this is something that has irked the fans the most.

How are the summer signings doing?

Owen Coyle signed a host of players for Chennaiyin FC over the summer to bolster the squad. Only Connor Shields and Ryan Edwards were retained in the foreign contingent as the club signed Elsinho, Daniel Chima Chukwu, Wilmar Jordan Gil, and Lukas Brambilla.

In terms of Indian players; Gurkirat Singh, Kiyan Nassiri, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Jitendra Singh, Mandar Rao Desai, Laldinliana Renthlei, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, PC Laldinpuia, and Mohammad Nawaz were signed in the summer transfer window.

From the new signings, Wilmar Jordan Gil, Mohammad Nawaz, Lalrinliana Hnamte, PC Laldinpuia, and Laldiniliana Renthlei have become regulars in the CFC Starting XI. While Wilmar Jordan, Nawaz, and Hnamte have had better-than-average campaigns. None of these players has taken Chennaiyin FC to the next level.

Other big signings like Gurkirat Singh, Kiyan Nassiri, and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy have struggled for minutes on the other hand. Owen Coyle has stuck with Irfan Yadwad, Vincy Baretto, and Farukh Choudhary as his Indian options in attack, limiting Kiyan and Gurkirat’s chances of being part of the playing XI.

While the duo has at least had sporadic appearances, Vignesh has had to bear the brunt. Owen Coyle has preferred Mandar Rao Desai, PC Laldinpuia, and Ankit Mukharjee in the left-back position. Hence Vignesh has managed to play only one minute of ISL football so far this season.

In terms of other new foreign signings, Lukas Brambilla has shown glimpses of brilliance while Elsinho is out of action after suffering a neck injury. Daniel Chima Chukwu has had his chances but has been unimpressive scoring just two ISL goals in 13 league games.

What are Chennaiyin FC’s Strengths and Weaknesses?

Strengths: Under Owen Coyle, Chennaiyin FC have become a team that puts in a lot of crosses. To add to this, Connor Shields and Lukas Brambilla are creating half-chances from the midfield.

Irfan Yadwad in particular has developed his game a lot and is becoming a bigger attacking threat with every passing game. If he gains more confidence the youngster might become the forefront of the Chennaiyin FC attack in the years to come.

Weaknesses: Individual Errors have played a massive part in Chennaiyin FC’s downfall this season. This is something that Owen Coyle has himself repeated in press conferences multiple times.

In terms of attack, CFC are not capitalizing on what their midfielders create. Both Jordan and Chima Chukwu have failed to make the most out of the chances. The Indian players are lacking consistency as well.

What do Chennaiyin FC need in the January transfer window?

Owen Coyle did sign good players in the summer. But the Chennaiyin FC manager made a massive blunder in picking his centre-forwards. Both Wilmar Jordan Gil and Daniel Chima Chukwu are physical and have a similar style of play.

The two-time ISL champions have struggled against teams who have created a low block in terms of defence. The fans have been asking to release one of the foreign strikers and sign a replacement, which could help the club add another dimension to their game.

Chennaiyin FC could also consider signing a replacement for Elsinho Dias if the Brazilian needs more time to recover from his neck injury.

Conclusion

It is unlikely that any Chennaiyin FC foreigner will be released in January. In terms of Indian players, the future of Gurkirat Singh, Jiteshwor Singh, and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy looks uncertain as all three have not played enough this season.

Cutting down on individual mistakes and improving the crossing ability of their wingers should help Chennaiyin FC scale up the table. Apart from the foreigners, the Indian players in the squad have to step up and become consistent in terms of scoring or providing chances to their teammates.

Does Owen Coyle’s team have enough in them to make the playoffs once again? Let us know your thoughts…

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