John Gregory: I hope we can continue the good work

The Chennaiyin FC head coach once again stressed that he believes the Marina Machans can make it to the playoffs.

Ahead of his team's next league game, Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory interacted with the media in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

After four games of disappointment with no goals and poor results, Chennaiyin FC finally turned a leaf and in dramatic circumstances, as they squeaked a win against Hyderabad FC, with two goals in the final minutes.

That win on Monday has been a real shot in the arm for the home side going into tomorrow's home game against Odisha FC and coach John Gregory acknowledged the importance of the success as well as going on to get a good run of results in the future games.

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The coach addressed the team's tactics, particularly with regard to his two strikers (Nerijus Valskis and Andre Schembri), who struck the goals for Chennaiyin FC saying, "I've never lost my belief in the squad. You have to try and find the right formula to get the best out of the players and we have tried a few permutations. When Andre (Schembri) came on the other night we looked a little more threatening, but that was only after 75 minutes. So, we played without any fear of defending."

Last game's stoppage-time hero Valskis was visibly pleased by his finish and said, "Everyone saw how I celebrated after the goal and I was very happy for myself and the team. We got the three points. We played well here at home, but didn't get results."

Thoughts On Last Game

Speaking of the circumstance his team were in and their reaction to the last game, John Gregory was visibly more at ease having gotten the first win.

"I always thought it was a question of time and giving confidence to the players. Now that we have the win, I hope we can continue the good work."

Thoughts On Fans

"The fans' reaction was amazing. I have never heard the stadium so loud and after the final whistle, the atmosphere in the stadium was incredible," Gregory said praising the support the team has received during and post the win.

Chennaiyin FC skipper Lucian Goian was in inspired form against Hyderabad FC and John Gregory made good mention of his performances so far saying, "I was pleased for everybody, but as a captain, there is extra responsibility on you. He was throwing himself around everywhere and he tries to lead by example, which is what you expect from your captain."

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Valskis, who scored his first goal this season after much waiting let a load off his back. "When you score a goal you feel more confident. Everybody is happy. When you play well and win you feel much better and you get more opportunities," he quipped.

John Gregory still intends on getting a string of good results starting from Thursday's match against Odisha FC and harbours expectations of a playoffs spot. "The leading pack aren't very far away ahead. But, it is important to start winning games from now till the end of the year. We have to put a good run of results to be in contention for the playoffs. I still believe we can make it," he said.

Chennaiyin FC face Odisha FC on Thursday at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai at 7:30 PM (IST).