Want to build a new Chennaiyin FC, says coach Thomas Brdaric

The tactician also expressed his excitement about the match's attendance.

Chennaiyin FC will start the ISL 2022-23 by taking on ATK Mohun Bagan at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The Marina Machans have never beaten ATK Mohun Bagan and will look to change their fortunes this time around. Thomas Brdaric's side will miss the likes of Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Mohammed Rafique, and Vincy Baretto for the ATK Mohun Bagan match.

Head coach Thomas Brdaric and player Julius Duker addressed the media prior to the game. Here's what they said.

Advantages of having pre-season in Kolkata

Last season Chennaiyin started pre-season pretty late and had a month's time ahead of ISL for preparation. This time, new head coach Thomas Brdaric arrived early in July and assembled the team in order to have a sufficient pre-season.

“The preparation time was pretty long and we had enough time to prepare for the first ISL match. We appreciate the preparation time that we got to go into the competition. We are prepared for the match and we’re very hungry for the match tomorrow. Me and my coaching team are working with the players very loosely and also on our strategies. Tomorrow in the first match. The road to the end is long and we’ll have to learn about our team – which starts tomorrow,” the tactician started.

Pressure on playing the first away game

Chennaiyin FC will be playing their first away game in front of a huge Kolkata crowd which will be supporting ATK Mohun Bagan. This will also be the first time the two teams will be playing the ISL in front of an audience after two years.

Brdaric commented, “We are working very hard to play in front of the fans. We’re excited about the attendance for tomorrow. I don’t how many will join us in the game. I like to play in front of fans. My players should work hard, and enjoy the game and the atmosphere. We’ll have to implement our match point in a perfect way.”

Advantages of having many Bengal-born players in the team

This season there are more than seven Bengal-born players representing Chennaiyin FC. The head coach has praised the players for showing a good attitude and being polite and honest.

“Of course it is. India for me is a very big country and is like a continent. We came here as foreigners and in the last three months, working with the Indian players has been an honour and a pleasure. They’re so polite and modest. I like the attitude of the Bengali players and we’re delighted to work with these guys and to bring them into the team. The last year was difficult. But now we want to build a new CFC and the Bengali guys are a big part of that,” asserted the 47-year-old.

Injury Concerns

Chennaiyin FC were without star players like Romario and Vincy Baretto during the Durand Cup but coach Brdaric feels he has a good bench strength. Also, the focus will be on the ATK Mohun Bagan game after a good pre-season.

The coach stated, “We have a big squad. We have some fitness issues to work on. In Kolkata, we have 22 players and there will be 20 for the squad tomorrow. I have to test some players before that and explain to the absentees why they aren’t available. Some are staying at home - they’ll go for medical and then work on their fitness. Some will play a friendly match. The focus is on tomorrow’s game.”

“Romario, Vincy, and Mohammed Rafique are unavailable. They haven't travelling with the team,” added Thomas Brdaric.

Also Read: Preview: Chennaiyin FC aim maiden win over ATK Mohun Bagan

Julius Duker’s expectations going forward

Duker joined Chennaiyin FC this season and played a crucial role after pairing with Anirudh Thapa in the defensive midfield position at the Durand Cup. The versatile German player feels the start is very important and looks to commence proceedings on a good note.

“My expectation is we want to start the season well. That is an important thing. We’ve prepared well and are excited about the game. The start will be very important and we are completely motivated for tomorrow,” asserted Duker.

He added, “I like the philosophy of the coach. We don’t only play in one style. I hope what happened previously won't be the case this year.”

Duker’s association with Anirudh Thapa 

Duker will partner with Anirudh Thapa and has shown glimpses of what the pair can do at the Durand Cup 2022. The pair have complemented each other well and are set to perform on the big stage.

 “Thapa is our captain and I feel he is a very important part of us. On the pitch, he is a very good footballer but he is also an important figure off the pitch. We can go ask him about things and I think he’s a very good, experienced player. I’m excited to play with him and the entire team,” opined Duker.