Csaba Laszlo: I'm upset because the game was in our pockets

The Romanian spoke on the back of his side's goalless draw against Odisha FC.

Former Indian Super League champions, Chennaiyin FC were held to their third 0-0 draw of the season against strugglers Odisha FC. It was the same old story for the Marina Machans, who failed to capitalize on a number of very presentable chances. An irate Csaba Laszlo addressed the media following a poor performance from his side.

Form in front of goal

Chennaiyin FC have had no problem in creating chances over the course of the Indian Super League campaign so far. However, the Marina Machans have suffered due to the lack of output from their attacking players, Indians and foreigners alike. The side again passed up another slew of opportunities to take all three points against a struggling Odisha.

“If we think like this, I do not have an answer. From the beginning of the season, until today, I think we are the team that are creating the most goalscoring chances and leave every single goal chance on the pitch.

“Even today, me and my coaching staff, we reorganized the team completely. We know that Rafa (Crivellaro) is out. We had to find a new shape, a new tactic and this takes a little time. We created and created and these kinds of goal chances, you cannot leave out. It’s not about the concentration, its not about (anything). I cannot explain it, you have to be there and you have to push the ball into the net.

“In one game we (conceded) four goals, it was really a terrible day. But, in the other games, we (conceded) one goal or stayed at zero. However, upfront we leave (the goalscoring chances). This pressure, it is sometimes too much for the full team. We must be more clinical.”

https://youtu.be/5CXMLzFWadQ

Reaction after the game

The Chennaiyin head coach looked well and truly fed up following his side’s failure to grab all three points against Odisha FC. The Romanian spoke about his disappointment in his team.

“We leave the goal chances on the pitch and we don’t score goals. I am upset because I know that today it was a game in your pocket. The three points were in the pocket. You just have to take it because you made a good game, you tried very hard. We dominated this team, but didn’t score and this is bothering me.”

Rahim Ali’s performance

Youngster Rahim Ali has been a bright spark in what has been a mediocre season for the South Indian side so far. Against Odisha, Ali looked like CFC’s biggest threat. However, the forward spurned a couple of easy chances to get his side the three points.

“Every player has to take confidence in training and in the game. If you score goals, you get confidence. He has to take the confidence. If you talk about Ali, I must be somewhat proud because he had two 100% chances, but he must be clinical.”

Anirudh Thapa becoming Chennaiyin’s most-capped player

The diminutive midfielder has been a stalwart for Chennai despite his tender years, with 77 appearances for the side. His coach Csaba Laszlo paid tribute to the youngster for his contribution to the Marina Machans and Indian football.

“I am happy for Thapa because you see that he is the player who, at this young age, can make the difference. I thought that in today’s game, he needs sometimes more support. He is in a good position to be one of the best players in the ISL.