Csaba Laszlo rues missed top four chance after defeat against ATKMB

This was Chennaiyin's fourth defeat of the ongoing ISL 2020-21 season.

Chennaiyin FC suffered yet another defeat in their ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season, after David Williams found the back of the net in the dying moments of the game for the Mariners at Fatorda Stadium.  Meanwhile, with the loss, Csaba Laszlo and his boys find themselves with just 15 points in 13 games.

Chennaiyin did not look threatening for the whole match, as they failed to take a shot on target against the Kolkata giants. However, they maintained a good defensive approach, but unfortunately they conceded in the last minute of the 90.

Thoughts on game

After the match, Csaba Laszlo, the head coach of CFC shared his thoughts on the loss and said, “We are very disappointed (to concede in injury-time) because according to me we played good football.

"In the last 20 minutes, we tried to control the game. Our fitness levels were okay even playing after two days. I was even sure, if there was a goal in the game it was by us and in one minute we lost everything. I have to be honest, we destroyed ourselves. ”

Taking a step back?

One of the issues for Chennaiyin FC this season has been finishing, but in today’s game the team from Tamil Nadu hardly created any chances. Speaking on the topic, he gave his clarification. “They are the defending champions. ATKMB are a very good side, but I don’t want to blame my strikers. We had our offensive players like Rahim (Ali) and (Lallianzuala) Chhangte available, but lacked creativity from midfield.

“Thapa didn’t play due to injury and Rafa (Rafael Crivellaro) is injured. Jakub Slyvestr had a chance to shoot, but he hesitated. It’s something that we are facing this season. If he had a draw then nobody would’ve said anything and it’s painful to go without points,” he added.

Opportunity missed for top four spot?

The team from Chennai missed an opportunity to break into top four. The tactician seemed disappointed and commented, “Yes, definitely every single three points we missed is a missed opportunity for top four.”

Is the team under-performing?

Csaba Laszlo was then asked if the team is under-performing and speaking on which he replied, “No, you know this team last season played the final, but at this stage everybody wants to be in the top four. You know you have to see everything realistically."

He further added, “This is a completely different competition than last year. We have to see there are new players coming in. On the other side, we have injuries (and) it has pushed back. We don’t give up and in the upcoming games, I hope we can do better.”

Status on Thapa’s injury

Anirudh Thapa missed the game due to injury and when questioned about the seriousness, Laszlo answered, “He is fine; he tried something yesterday in a training session. I hope he is available for the next game, but we need to speak with the medical staff.”