Csaba Laszlo rues missed chances following Jamshedpur FC loss

The Chennaiyin head coach also revealed his reasons for substituting Manuel Lanzarote in the second half.

Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions, Chennaiyin FC fell to another defeat against Jamshedpur FC. It was another disappointing night for Csaba Laszlo and the Marina Machans whose woes in front of goal continued, all but ending their hopes of a playoffs spot.

A forlorn Laszlo addressed the media after a desperately dry performance from his side.

Dismal confidence levels

Chennaiyin FC have been particularly timid in front of goal in recent weeks. The likes of Esmael Goncalves and Jakub Sylvestr have failed to bring a spark to what has been a flailing attack over the course of the ISL season so far.

Csaba Laszlo spoke about the confidence his side possessed in themselves or the lack thereof. “I do not think that they have given up. I think we dominated the game. I think also that Jamshedpur had some moments, but we handled this very (well). In the last minute, Thoi (Singh) had a big chance, just to score the goal. I cannot explain honestly, what we saw. From this we got the counter-attack. I don’t think that we deserved it, but we punished ourselves."

Manuel Lanzarote’s fitness

https://youtu.be/x3hQfKjKJnA

Manuel Lanzarote was brought in to the Chennaiyin FC setup as a replacement for the injured Rafael Crivellaro. Lanzarote, despite having only played a couple of games for the side, has shown the quality he possesses on the ball. The Romanian head coach clarified the reasons behind the attacker’s substitution in the second half.

“This was a game in which I wanted to bring in fresh people. It was not a problem of Lanza coming out, it was more a problem that in front, we (did) not create so many chances."

Chhuantea Fanai’s return

Left-back Chhuantea Fanai’s took his place at left-back in the team after an early season injury had seen him lose his starting spot to Jerry Lalrinzuala in the CFC side. The full-back showed definite signs of rustiness. However, Csaba Laszlo defended his player, saying despite being partially at fault for the goal, the effort he put in was commendable.

“I don’t want to tell (anything) wrong about Fanai. I know that the goal came from his side. He had to be more aggressive, maybe, in this situation. He tried to do his best. After such a long absence to play again, maybe it was not easy, but it is not Fanai’s mistake that we lost the game.”

Diminishing playoffs chances

Chennaiyin FC look to be on the verge of running out of chances to reach the playoffs of the Indian Super League. The runners-up of last season however, would need a minor miracle to finish in the top four, this time around.

Csaba Laszlo insisted that his side would continue to give their best in every game they played. “Even it is not mathematically possible, we will fight until the last game. We are sportsmen, we have to do this for the team, for the club, for ourselves, for our pride.”