Csaba Laszlo earmarks these two players to receive more game time at Chennaiyin FC

The coach remains confident of his side’s fortunes but warned them to remain focused against wounded East Bengal.

A buoyed Csaba Laszlo will hope that his boys can propel themselves higher up the Indian Super League points table with a win against SC East Bengal on Saturday. A day before the game, the Chennaiyin FC boss spoke to the media with confidence and zest ahead of his side’s game against the Red and Gold Brigade.

On the unavailability of Reagan Singh and Esmael Goncalves

Csaba Laszlo will be without Reagan Singh, who has sparkled under his tutelage for the Marina Machans and his absence could be a blow to the two-time champions’ fortunes against the struggling side from Kolkata. But, Laszlo expressed confidence in the players who can deputize for the former Northeast United defender. 

“I have a solution and I hope it will work. I am confident of the players who can replace him. He (Reagan) is a player who surprised me since I came here; he is new here as well and is committed. So, we have to find a solution for him which we will do."

The Chennaiyin coach could also have Esmael Concalves back on the team, but is exercising patience with his star forward. When asked about his status, the tactician replied, “I don’t think so, but he will be on the bench and (might play) for 10-15 minutes. It is better to keep him out, as I don’t want him to get further injured. He joined training yesterday and he might need a little bit more time.”

https://youtu.be/oVp6r01qpZg

On the team's youngsters Rahim Ali and Deepak Tangri

Rahim Ali opened his account for the season against FC Goa and the coach praised the quality that the young forward possesses by saying, “In the beginning of the season, I spoke to my coaching staff about the players, as most of them were new for me."

"I saw that with Ali and Deepak (Tangri), we have two very talented players. I took it upon me that these boys get more minutes and be more involved in the game. In the beginning, he was learning about how to play on the way off the ball, but I think he is slowly getting how we want to play. I think he will be a player who will do a lot more for this club.”

On SC East Bengal, their opponents on Saturday

Playing against a struggling East Bengal side means that the odds will be on the Marina Machans to get three points. But, Laszlo downplayed the tag of “favourites” for his side by showing respect for each and every opponent. 

Speaking about the game, he answered, “Be it favourites or not, every game has its own pressure. I think there is no team that is a favourite and for me, every team is at the same level. The teams are looking to win games and really give it a lot. So, I think no game is easy.”

He added, “I don’t think we are the favourites. East Bengal has a good team with good players and it won’t be an easy game. We have our strengths, but we have to stay focused.”

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