John Gregory desperate for three points, David James to stay true to philosophy

Both teams are in desperate need of a win.

It will be a fierce southern derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai as reigning champions Chennaiyin take on Kerala Blasters in a match where both sides are desperate to move up in the Indian Super League (ISL) table.

A win will take the Marina Machans to the eighth place while that for the Blasters wouldn’t change their position in the table but would certainly close down the gap to one point behind 6th placed ATK.

Coach’s Corner

John Gregory (Chennaiyin)

Gregory started the session talking about the importance of the game considering the fact that it is a derby. “I appreciate that the players know the importance of the derby game and as a player, you are protected from rivalry. It is because when you look at the fans of Chennaiyin, obviously it would make up their whole week if we were to win. It makes up our week too. The players don’t have to face as much of insults and banters as the fans.”

“As a football club, it is important for us to get the three points for our own benefit. But our players need to understand the importance for the fans who obviously want us to win.”

“We need a victory, we need the three points, we need to get back somehow as soon as possible in the race. But we also need to repay the support we had and continue to have from our fans.”

Talking about the team’s motivation, Gregory spoke about how winning games makes things so better, but it is not easy. “After the Pune game the mood of the team was fantastic and it obviously makes a difference. But to keep them motivated is not that easy.”

“I have to change the team from time to time. I have to lead some players out and when I do so they hate me. But then as a coach you learn things on how to deal with people when they are a little bit down and try to pick them up and saying good things to them,” he added, “ It is very important to keep focus as things in football can change very quickly.”

The Englishman also spoke about the AFC Cup which his side will be playing after the ISL and how it might work as a second chance for them if they don’t win the former.

Furthermore, talking more about the team’s performance, the 64-year-old spoke about how there have been errors especially in the defence; individual errors and mistakes that have cost them goals and eventually matches.

When asked about what he expects from Kerala, Gregory went on to memorise how the last time they had brought with them a huge number of fans despite being an away game. He also spoke about how harsh the result against NorthEast United would have been for David James. “They are having a bad time but their support both at home and away is amazing.”

Gregory concluded the session speaking about how it is important to step up from bad phase and improve the team’s condition. If a team is not getting wins and the three points, everything else is irrelevant.

David James (Kerala Blasters)

Kerala are not in a good position this season and James went on to speak about how times have been difficult since the start of it and how at times the referees’ decisions have not gone in their way affecting the players’ confidence. “During the last game against NorthEast we had a player injured in the midfield but the play was on and we were 10 vs 11 in the 90th minute and then we conceded a foul. It’s not that it would have stopped the incident from happening but possibly could’ve changed things.”

“We had a good discussion this week and the realisation between the team is good in the sense that we are not getting in a good form which is a massive problem. Looking at ATK this season, they have a very different model than ours. Ours is to focus on not just a season but the foreseeable future. That is how we are holding up and trying to develop this season. We were very close in some games and had nearly been there.”

The Englishman went on to explain how it is important to win games and any professional coach would say the same.

Talking about the team’s performance especially in the away games, James expressed disappointment in the result as they were 1-0 up in the 73rd minute. He also stated the problems of the team while holding onto their lead. “As for Chennaiyin are concerned, if you look at the previous record, we have won here. There is no change in the game tactics as such.”

He further went on to speak about how it won’t be an easy game saying, “ There is nothing easy about football.” But he did have some good words for the fans of the club stating how they have an influence on the game and that it increases the players’ confidence and hopefully that will help them beat Chennaiyin. “As a manager, I have to make sure to be in the right position to win games now. It is not desperate as of yet but we need to make sure to keep up to stand a chance for qualifying for the playoffs.”

ALSO READ

• ATK hold high flying Goa to goalless draw

• Five-star Sporting Goa outclass Vasco in Goa Pro League

• ISL TOTW 8: Rahul Bheke, Ricky Lallawmawma the shining stars in the league

Team News

Chennaiyin FC

Apart from Dhanpal Ganesh, everyone is fit and available for the game.

Kerala Blasters

All players are fit and available for selection.

Probable Lineup

Chennaiyin FC- Singh (GK), Calderon, Alves, Sabia, Lalrinzuala, Thapa, Germanpreet, Fernandes, Augusto, Nelson, Jeje.

Kerala Blasters- Dheeraj (GK), Jhingan, Lakic-Pesic, Kali, Keziron, Krcmarevic, Sarnad, Karuthadathkuni, Narzary, Poplatnik, Doungel.

Did You Know?

• Kerala Blasters are winless in their last seven games (four drawn, three lost).

• Chennaiyin have conceded the second most goals (16) in the season after Pune City (19).

• Both the teams have scored 10 goals in this campaign.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Broadcast

The game will take place live at 7:30 pm at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. At the same time, it will be broadcasted on the Start Sports Network, Jio TV and Hotstar.