Chennaiyin FC were the better team, asserts Bozidar Bandovic

The coach praised his side's attacking start to the game.

Chennaiyin FC and Hyderabad FC played out a 1-1 draw at the Fatorda Stadium on Thursday night. Both goals came from headers, as Sajid Dhot's opener was cancelled out by Javier Siverio just before half time.

Both teams pushed and prodded for the winner, but neither team had a sustained threat on the opposition goalkeeper. The result left Chennaiyin FC in sixth place, as they missed a great chance to get into the playoffs spots. Hyderabad, meanwhile, missed the chance to cut the gap with league leaders Kerala Blasters.

Chennaiyin FC's performance and the result would've definitely left head coach Bozidar Bandovic with some positives, but more questions.

Assessment on performance

Bozidar Bandovic opined on his side's performance and credited their attacking start to the game. He replied, "I think we did well. We started the game very well. But, I would say that we were not good at attacking in the last 15 minutes of the first half.

"But, it was good for most parts of the game. When the opponent likes to press more, we have to play the long balls at times. I think we did well in that."

Thoughts on result

When asked to reflect on the result, Bandovic opined, "I think it was a very tactically strong game. We played a good, organized team and they have a coach who has been here since last year. They had some chances and we had some, so it was a good game.

"I think it was a good point, but we always wanted to win the game. I think we chased the game. In the last 20 minutes, I think we showed we were the team who could've scored the goal."

Addressing poor run of results

Chennaiyin FC have had a poor run of results in their last five games. They have won only one of their last five, while taking only four points. The form of his side would definitely concern Bozidar Bandovic.

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When asked of his side's lack of results, Bandovic replied, "It would concern me when we don't play well. But, the way we played without Ariel (Borysiuk) and (Vladimir) Koman, I think we can be better. This is what we are trying to do. Of course, we want to win and we wanted to win today. The boys give everything and I cannot ask for more."

Tactical tweaks & formation

Bandovic has also taken his time to experiment with different formations. The coach has tried out different combinations with different players. While some have borne fruit, others haven't.

"We need more time. But, we had games against ATK (Mohun Bagan) and Bengaluru FC where we did well. Today also we made some good moments. I'd also like to say Ninthoi (Meetei) did very well, so that is a plus for us. We know this will get better, especially with Ariel and Koman coming back," Bozidar Bandovic reassuringly replied when asked about whether he is close to finding the right formation and combinations.

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