Bozidar Bandovic feels Rahim Ali should be supported, not criticised

The Marina Machans' head coach also felt that the Marina Machans are doing a commendable job by using an Indian striker.

Chennaiyin FC continued their unbeaten run with a draw against SC East Bengal in their third game of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season on Thursday. Bozidar Bandovic and his squad clinched their second clean sheet of the season as the game ended in a goalless draw.

The Marina Machans came close to scoring on multiple occasions, but either lacked the finishing touch or wasted the chances. However, they were solid defensively and kept a check on East Bengal’s attacks. After the match, the Marina Machans' head coach Bandovic spoke to the press where he expressed satisfaction on his team's performance.

Reflections on the game

Chennaiyin FC created a number of chances and looked the better side on Friday night. The head coach shared his thoughts on the game and said, "I’m not happy with the result, but happy with the way the team performed."

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“If you look at the chances we made, we looked more dominant. Of course we’re not happy with one point because we were the better team and created more chances. We should’ve won this game. The opponents played long balls and we did not have any problem defensively. We’re not happy with the result, but I’m happy about how we played as the condition is improving day by day,” he explained.

Position in the table

Following a draw against SC East Bengal, Chennaiyin FC moved to the peak of the Indian Super League (ISL) table. When quizzed about his thoughts on moving to the top of the table, Bozidar Bandovic said he doesn’t look at the table and is only focused on the upcoming game.

“The only thing I’m thinking right now is about the next game. I don’t look at the table, I’m just thinking about the next game,” he asserted.

Thoughts on Rahim Ali

Chennaiyin FC are the only team who are operating with an Indian striker. Rahim Ali has had the confidence of Bozidar Bandovic and he has certainly shown signs of improvement. However, he missed a few key chances against SC East Bengal. Sharing his thoughts on the forward, the tactician said that everyone should support him and judge him on the basis of just one match.

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“I think you all should be happy that one team is using a domestic player as a forward and support him. Without support, he cannot show what he can do. It’s good that he had chances and we’re expecting not only him, but everyone to score. We should support him give him a chance and not judge him on one game,” he opined.

Is this the best XI?

Bozidar Bandovic made no changes to the Chennaiyin FC squad that played against NorthEast United earlier this week. When quizzed if this is his perfect starting XI, the head coach insisted the Marina Machans' have only the best players. “All my squad consists of the best players,” he concluded.

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