Khel Now logo
HomeSportsIPL 2024Live Score

ISL- Indian Super League

My players are the best, says Chennaiyin boss Bozidar Bandovic

Published at :December 2, 2021 at 9:44 PM
Modified at :December 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM
Post Featured Image

(Courtesy : Chennaiyin FC Media)

Yash Pratap Singh


The head coach spoke about the learning from the first two games, importance of winning mentality and more.

Chennaiyin FC continued their unbeaten run in Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22, with a 1-2 win against NorthEast United in their last match. The Marina Machans are still unbeaten and will be looking to get their third win on the bounce in their next match against East Bengal. Ahead of the match, head coach Bozidar Bandovic and left-back Narayan Das spoke to the media:

Busy schedule 

The Indian Super League is up and running and now the difference between two matchdays will be very little for teams to refresh themselves. When asked about how he keeps his players fresh with games coming thick and fast, Bandovic said, “We are short in time, we analyze our statistics and our opponents. We keep the players focused and mentally ready for the next game."

Assessment of first two games

Chennaiyin FC have won both of their first two games. Their head coach spoke about his overall assessment of his team and said they can do better, but it will take time.

“We need to improve and do better. We can play better, but this needs time, work, physically and tactically. I believe we’ll play better and till now I’m satisfied with the results. It’s not about how we start, but it’s about how we finish,” Bozidar Bandovic explained.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

“I want my players to be ready for 95 minutes. In these games, you’ve to make good decisions, so that the team wins. If you go to the next step in the AFC Champions League, the game is faster with more quality players. They need to train themselves because they need to have discipline and concentration for 95 minutes. I want my team to be stable,” he further added.

Thoughts on tomorrow’s game

The Marina Machans will go up against a side who have lost their last two games. Sharing is thoughts on tomorrow’s game, Bandovic said that East Bengal will try to win the game.

“First of all, we go game-by-game. We need to be ready and we’re ready. We’ve a chance to make it three wins in a row. We need to be better, quicker and think fast. We need to show respect to every opponent and we know what to do. They’ll try to come and win the game, especially now.”

Thoughts on Rahim Ali

Rahim Ali has not been able to live up to expectations in the first two games. When asked if he’ll make a change in that position or will he continue to show his confidence in the Indian striker, Bozidar Bandovic defended his player and said it’s only a matter of time before he starts delivering.

“I don’t like to use the word ‘fail.’ He tries and he can do better. It’s only a matter of time and I believe in him and all my players. We’re trying to improve him, so that he understands the game better. I’m happy with his work until now,” said the Montenegrin coach.

[KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Lallianzuaala Chhangte’s position

Bandovic has used Lallianzuala Chhangte on either wing according to the situation of the game and he hasn’t let him down. Sharing his thoughts on where he likes to play the Indian winger, the 52-year-old said, “I started him as a right winger in both the games, so that is where I like him. I like to have communication about everything with my players because their decision is important.

“After seeing his performance in training and pre-season games, I thought he should start on the right side. During the game we can change depending on the opponent and our movement. He’s more comfortable on the right side,” he further noted.

Thoughts on Anirudh Thapa

Anirudh Thapa has certainly set his standards high for his season and scored a beautiful goal against NorthEast United in the last match. When asked about his thoughts on the Indian midfielder, the tactician did not hold back and said, “My players are the best players. I chose him as a leader because I believe in him and I know he’s a leader.

"All the fans trust him because he has a personality and he has been a part of this team for so long. This is his team and he knows what he needs to do.”

Importance of winning mentality

Chennaiyin FC have changed their attitude and approach under their new head coach. They’re always in search of a winner, with a never say die attitude. Bozidar Bandovic spoke about the importance of a winning mentality and said, “I believe the team mentality and good communication can make a team do better. This is very important because if you’re not prepared mentally, you won’t be okay physically.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

“They need to know what the coach wants and I’m trying to support them. For me, mentally approaching a game is very important,” he concluded.

Versatility

Narayan Das is a multi-faceted player and can shift between a centre-back or a left-back during the course of the game. When quizzed about how challenging it is to do it in the middle of the game, Narayan said it’s easy.

“It’s not very challenging. I do what the coach wants me to and changing my position isn’t very difficult. I just have to adapt to how the coach wants me to play,” he replied.

Experience of playing for Chennaiyin

The left-back spoke about his experience with the Marina Machans so far. He said, “I’m happy to be here with Chennaiyin. I’ve played two games and I want to develop my confidence more. We have to improve match-by-match, keep our confidence high and have team unity,” he signed off.

For more football updates, follow Khel Now on TwitterInstagram and join our community on Telegram.

Advertisement

TRENDING TOPICS

IMPORTANT LINK

  • About Us
  • Home
  • Khel Now TV
  • Sitemap
  • Feed
Khel Icon

Download on the

App Store

GET IT ON

Google Play


2024 KhelNow.com Agnificent Platform Technologies Pte. Ltd.