Bozidar Bandovic asserts CFC have a plan to stop free-scoring MCFC

The game pits the best attack in the league against the best defence.

Chennaiyin FC face their biggest test to-date, as the Marina Machans will battle the high-flying Mumbai City FC on Wednesday night. The Islanders have been at their clinical best so far this season. But, Bozidar Bandovic's men could prove to be a thorn in their side.

The Marina Machans proved their quality and potential in their previous game, a 1-1 draw against ATK Mohun Bagan. Mumbai City, on the other hand, are coming on the back of a crushing 4-2 win against Jamshedpur FC. Hence, Chennaiyin have their work cut out to keep Igor Angulo and Co. quiet on the night.

Ahead of their game tomorrow, Chennaiyin FC head coach Bozidar Bandovic along with Lukasz Gikiewicz answered questions from the media.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7bw9iw9GiM

The threat of the defending champions

"We will analyze them. We saw their games. They are a very good team. We have talked with the players and we have a plan that we will stick to. So, I hope that we are going to have a good performance," said Bozidar Bandovic acknowledging the threat of the defending champions when asked about the same.

"They are not only good in high pressing, but they also move the ball very well. They are technical players and they are a very good team in attack. It is important that we stay balanced in attack and defence. If we don't defend well, they will score for sure. They are also good from set-pieces. So, we need to have a perfect game," added Bandovic.

The Montenegrin coach will take heart from his side's performance in the previous game. He replied, "I'm satisfied with the team as our performances have improved every game. Especially in the last game, we had a very good performance. We didn't win, but I'm happy with all aspects right from our character, the effort, our reaction after we conceded the goal."

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Unbeaten start on the line

Anirudh Thapa and Co. will once again look to preserve their unbeaten start. But, they would need to match Mumbai City FC's intensity to do so. The game pits the best attack in the league against the best defence. Therefore, it could come down to who holds out longer.

Bandovic though took a steady approach to his work with the team. Speaking on the undefeated start, he stated, "We look to take it game-by-game. It gives the team confidence. But, as I said, this is not enough and we need to be better. We need to be stable to get success.

"We can improve on scoring from set-pieces or the chances we have to score the goals. I want the players to believe more in themselves, to play with more freedom from the first minute. We are good in defence and transitions, but we can definitely do more in attack. We need to have more concentration with the last pass and the finishing," added the former Olympiacos manager.

Captain Thapa

An integral and inextricable part of this Chennaiyin FC side is Anirudh Thapa. The versatile midfielder has further impressed this season, especially since donning the captain's armband. Thapa has shown more maturity and quality in his game.

While Bozidar Bandovic backed his credentials, he aimed to take the pressure of captaincy off him. When asked if the responsibility has brought the best from Thapa, Bandovic said, "I don't think it's just that. He is a good player and I'm trying to get the best out of him. We are all working with him to improve his game, as I know he can play better. I'm happy with what he is doing, but I always talk to him to say that this is not enough and he can do more.

"About the captaincy, it is clear to me that he deserves it. This is his team and with this character and personality, having been here for many years, he deserves and needs to be the captain of this team. But, it has nothing to do with his performance. It is all about working hard in training and challenging himself to be better," added Bandovic.

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Lukasz Gikiewicz on his role

Lukasz Gikiewicz made his first start for the club after three appearances from the bench. But, the Polish forward didn't get chances to impress. He often found opportunities hard to come by and failed, despite his best efforts to impose himself on the game. The Pole also gave a very honest assessment of his performances, while also clarifying his role.

"Of course, as a forward, you will ask me why I didn't score goals? But, in our way, it's not important to score. We must get three points or like the game against ATK (Mohun Bagan), a point. I know the goals will come, for me, the team is bigger. Of course, you will judge me for say 4-5 games if I don't score, but if we are champions, you will say all the players did a great job," Gikiewicz replied confidently.

The attacker also praised the quality of the Indian players. He noted, "Players like Thapa and Rahim (Ali) are quality. They play for the national team and they can improve like the coach mentioned. The young players have a lot of space to improve. Like everyone in the team, I'm here with my experience also to help the young players and to give my best. As I said, the most important thing is the team, not the statistics for the players but the results for the team."

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