Owen Coyle: I have never lost twice against FC Goa

The Scotsman is confident that his side can bring out a positive result in the first leg against the Gaurs.

The first semi-final match of the ISL 2019-20 season is set to kickoff between Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa. Chennaiyin who were considered highly unlikely to feature among the top four at the start of the season, took the no-holds-barred approach and turned the tables to feature as  strong contenders to lift the title. Chennaiyin's revolutionary head coach Owen Coyle along with midfielder Anirudh Thapa addressed the press conference ahead of the first leg at home.

Impressive Record So Far

The Marina Machans made their way to the playoffs with an impressive record of six wins from eight games. However, Owen Coyle didn't seem to be content with the record and shared his thoughts on the same. “I think we all know if we would have played our best team it would be seven wins in eight games, the other night against NorthEast United. But, it was very important that the other players got some minutes because everybody will be required. I think it was the first time in ISL history that a club started with 10 Indian players." [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Approach Against FC Goa

The Scotsman is well aware of Goa's quality and expects a cracking contest. “Our strength is as a group, everybody knows their role in the team and what’s required of them. These players have given everything they can to try and win games, trying to play attacking football that’s entertaining. People enjoy watching us and we want to make sure that we see it through." "Now, to do that we have to play at our very best because we are playing against a quality side with good coaches that know the game inside out. If we are at our best, we have shown that we can beat anyone. So, we’re looking forward to the game, to stand toe-to-toe with the team that finished at the first position and deservedly so. That’s what we are looking forward to, playing against good players, a good team and we are all craving football."

Previous Record Against Goa

Asked about the mentality of the squad after having lost to Goa twice this season, Owen Coyle said, “The bearing of the two games has no significance on the semi-final. For a start, I’ve never lost twice to Goa, I have been here for only one game and three of the four defenders that will play tomorrow, never started that game. Whatever happened before has no bearings on the games to come. Because what will happen now is, the best team over these two matches will win." “When I came to this club, they had not won an away game since November 2018. Now, if you’re going to be thinking about all that stuff, you’ll get nowhere. We think very much on a positive mindset and we’ll continue to do so."

Pressure Of Big Game

“There will be some tension with what’s at stake. I stress to my group that we’ve got to be ready to play the game and not think much about the occasion. Because I have experienced playoffs many times as a player and a coach and you have to remember to play the game or you’ll lose sight of what you’re about. We are at home and we’ll absolutely be obligated to try and gain an advantage. Both teams are capable of winning on the road as they are capable at home, that’s what makes it a fascinating semi-final," said Owen Coyle. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] The 53 year-old tactician spoke about how he metamorphosed the former champions from being at the bottom of the table to title contenders. “We had to win games, draws were never enough. We were bottom of the league with Hyderabad FC, having a minimum chance of getting anywhere. The players deserve a huge amount of credit because they are the ones who went across the white line onto the field,” he concluded.

Anirudh Thapa On Facing Goa Again

Midfielder Anirudh Thapa, who scored a crucial away goal against FC Goa two years ago, spoke about meeting the Gaurs again at the big stage. “It’s going to be two very entertaining games and at the end of it the best team will move to the final. We have to make sure that it’s Chennaiyin. We are two-time champions, we want to make it three." “Winning the title was a big achievement for me at that age. Now, I don’t think any role has changed, it’s just about lifting the title. We are champions and we just need to make it three times. I hope to score again tomorrow. They faced us in the semis two years ago and they might come for revenge.”

Team News

Andre Schembri seems to be recovering from injury, while Tondonba Singh will miss out due to suspension.

Predicted Lineup

Kaith, Renthlei, Sabia, Goian, Jerry; Vanspaul, Thapa, Dragos, Crivellaro, Chhangte; Valskis. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

Head-To-Head

Both teams have a rich history in the league and have played each other 15 times. FC Goa have had the better of the Marina Machans and have won eight games, including a double over them this season. Chennaiyin FC have been victorious in just six games. However, they have upset the Gaurs many times in the playoffs. This fixture has ended in a stalemate just once.

Broadcast

The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network from 7:30 PM IST on Saturday evening. It would also be streamed live on Hotstar and Jio TV.