Need more control in the final minutes, stresses Bozidar Bandovic

The coach praised his side’s character and effort in their come-from-behind win

Chennaiyin FC rode on goals from Ariel Borysiuk and Vladimir Koman to pip NorthEast United at the Fatorda Stadium. Bozidar Bandovic and his side were wasteful in the first half, as they missed many chances to capitalize on their ascendancy. They were made to pay for their profligacy, as Danmawia scored after a melee in the box from a corner.

But, the Marina Machans pulled themselves up and got the equalizer through Ariel Borysiuk in the 52nd minute. Koman put Chennaiyin FC in the lead six minutes later, which eventually proved to be the winner. It was NorthEast United’s turn to miss plenty of gilt-edged chances in the second half, which would’ve given them a point or three on the night. But ultimately, it wasn’t to be, as the Marina Machans prevailed. The win helped them snap their winless streak of five games.

More importantly, for coach Bozidar Bandovic, the points also took Chennaiyin to third place and only two off top spot in ISL 2021-22. NorthEast United, on the other hand, remain rooted to the bottom of the ISL table.

Chennaiyin FC head coach Bozidar Bandovic spoke to the media on his side’s performance and result on the night.

How do you assess the game in terms of getting into the top four?

“It’s a very important victory and three points after five winless games. We felt a bit of pressure about this, so it’s good for the boys. We started very well and we showed character and effort till the end.

“Of course, in the last 15-20 minutes they put pressure on us and they also had some moments to score a goal. But, it was important, the way we came back after conceding the first goal.”

How tricky was it considering you had all your foreigners available?

“This was the first time we had all six foreigners in the team. At one point, we could’ve probably done without anybody. It was good (that we had all foreigners), but we had to count that Ariel and Koman are coming back from injuries. So, it was a bit difficult.”

How impressed were you with Debjit Majumder?

“Mistakes are part of the game and our lives. So, we need to keep going. The team won and that is what is important. We support every player, especially me. Since he has come in, he has been doing very well for the team.”

Should there have been better control in last 10 minutes?

“Yes, I agree that we should have done better in the last 15 minutes to control the ball and keep possession. We weren’t organized in the attack.

“Also, Ariel and Koman were coming from injuries, but we should keep the ball. We should avoid this pressure from the opponent and of course from the set-pieces.”

How do you assess Slavko’s (Damjanovic) performance?

“He’s playing well and he’s helping the team. He needs to make a difference at the back, which he does. So, that’s good for us and the team that we are doing well, we have 18 points and we are in the top four.

“But, there are still many games to go and we cannot say that everything is fine after one game. We need to keep doing well as the upcoming games are very important for us.”

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