Csaba Laszlo: I want to remove the pressure off strikers

The coach also announced that a key player of his side won’t be featuring in the game against the Nizams. 

Chennaiyin FC face a baptism by fire, as they look to arrest their downward slide in the table owing to indifferent results on the pitch. The test is sure for their strikers, as the Marina Machans have wasted their attacking sparks with some shoddy work in the final third. While they showed glimpses of their all-round capability in the 0-0 draw against ATK Mohun Bagan, the Marina Machans will be desperately hoping for three points on Monday night against Hyderabad FC, if the words of their head coach Csaba Laszlo are anything to go by.  

Goalscoring woes

The Romanian was quizzed a lot about his side’s goalscoring woes compared to the quality and quantity of chances that they have created. Laszlo gave an honest account of his side’s attacking performance so far. He quipped, “I think it is a question of confidence. I think it is more difficult to create chances than to score, but for us it is working otherwise.“

Laszlo added, “I want us to continue playing the same type of football that we have played so far and I am confident that the boys will score more. We played well in the last game against ATK Mohun Bagan, but then confidence comes from scoring, which I am finding more as we play and try to score. In football, the mental aspect is as important as the physical aspect. 

“For us, it is important to be focused and clinical. If we score three from out of 15 chances, I am satisfied. I see that the media and the fans always talk about our strikers, that they have to score goals, which are pressures I want to remove from the players.” 

Motivating players

The dip in performance by his players, compounded with the fact that they are staying in a bubble means that they have been enduring difficult times. The coach’s job also has the added element of being a mentor to the side. Speaking on how difficult it is to motivate the players during this time, Csaba Laszlo replied, “I have more time to talk individually to the players.

“We work hard with them by showing them where they can improve. You can only motivate players individually and trust them to do better. This is the approach with Jakub Sylvestr, who has to score more in the games and other players who are also capable and have to contribute. It is important how we respond to what we are training in during the match.” 

Crivellaro to miss Hyderabad FC game

A huge blow for Chennaiyin FC would be the absence of Rafael Crivellaro, who Laszlo confirmed won’t play a part in the game against Hyderabad FC. Laszlo informed, “We will have some checks on him and will have a clear picture tomorrow. It (the injury) is a little bit swollen, so the medical team is working on it and we will be in touch with them.” 

The January transfer window is now open for clubs looking to bolster their ranks for the business end of the season. Chennaiyin FC would also be keen to add more firepower to their squad, required particularly in the attacking department. 

Plans for transfer window

When asked about his side’s plans, Laszlo replied, “This season even if we wish to have players in some position, it’s not easy because we are in a bubble. Players might have to quarantine and then adjust to the new surroundings. It is a big question mark, if we can find players who can adapt to these surroundings. So, we have to think very carefully in these situations to find the right players who fit the system and the environment. We have to sit and talk with the sporting director to find the best solution.“

Nizams' quality

Csaba Laszlo also heaped praise and respect on the opposition, saying, “They are a compact team. I think they were unlucky to lose in the end to Goa. But, every team must be careful, as they are getting their players back from injuries and they are looking dangerous. They have a lot of quality in them, both on the pitch and the bench.“

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