Phil Brown: Getting three points against Chennaiyin is crucial for us

The Englishman is delighted that his key players have recovered from their injuries during the break.

Hyderabad FC will be desperate to get back to winning ways after watching their slight surge in momentum hampered with the 0-1 loss at home to NorthEast United before the International break. Now that the Indian Super League(ISL) is back with full flow, the side from the City of Nawabs go into the game against struggling Chennaiyin FC with some confidence knowing the former ISL champions’ plight. Phil Brown seemed to be happy that the International break arrived to help Hyderabad clean their injury table and is happy he has a nearly fully-fit squad to choose from against Chennaiyin FC. Injured Players He said, “I think the biggest challenge for all of us was to empty the treatment room. When we went on the break, with the names we had in the treatment room, I think 5-6 of them would’ve been starters in my head. At the start of the season, those who picked up knocks, Giles Barnes and Rafael Gomez, they would’ve been in the team(in recent games). So because that lack of quality we have in the team is the reason we’ve won only one game as opposed to two or even three.” [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] “But now we have had the international break. We’ve come back slowly but surely emptying the treatment room. At the time, we only have Adil Khan, who suffered an injury against Oman. For the first time, including my team in Pune, the competition in the squad is fantastic. All the players are pushing and vying for a position in the team against Chennaiyin," Phil Brown added. On John Gregory's Situation At Chennaiyin The former Hull City manager sympathised with John Gregory’s situation but remarked how he has problems to solve as well. He explained, “The competition will lead to a new system. The challenge ahead is simple. We have two games in a short space of time yet again. But the first game is the most important. It’s also interesting as my first game was against Chennaiyin FC. John Gregory is in a situation when he won the title two years ago but now he’s almost like a caged animal. A wounded animal perhaps." “He’s not getting the rewards for the hard work they’re putting in. I know John very well. He must be banging his head against the brick wall trying to get the answers. We have similar problems. Competition in places, picking the right team and formation and making sure we have the right blend of Indian and international players. But for the first time I have so many players available to me, which is great," he further quipped. Selection Of Foreign Players Phil Brown also stated that Brazilian striker Bobo is finally available for selection, but he’ll be taking caution playing him or Giles Barnes upfront. He said,  “My problem is which foreign players to pick out now. Bobo has been out for a while, so I have to be careful in that regard. I have to make a calculated decision on whether to start him." “The same applies for Giles Barnes. Maybe starting the two of them together is a dangerous thing to do. If we start one and bring the other one on from the bench, that could be a viable option. Hopefully, we make the right decision which will affect our performance in the game," the Englishman remarked. Getting Back To Winning Ways Phil Brown also remarked how important it is for Hyderabad FC to get back to winning ways against Chennaiyin and why a win could “get their season started” properly. He said, “It’s a vital game for us. It’s one of them where it’s not a must-win situation, as there’s a long way to go, but it’s one we need to start our season. Chennaiyin are suffering, but we cannot think about that. We have to focus on us and what is important for us. Getting three points against them is crucial for us and it’s vital to get our season properly started with that.” He also explained why things are looking on the up for his side with his squad gelling together better with the injury problems extinguished. Brown added, “We’re moving into the right direction. We’re heading into a positive end rather than a negative end which is pleasing for me to learn. Now that we’ve cleared the changing room, now that we have these guys fighting each other for a position, that’s probably the best position a coach can be in.” [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] Kilgallon On His Indian Teammates Defender Matthew Kilgallon hailed the quality and character of his Indian team-mates, but also backed his coach up in stating how difficult the game against Chennaiyin will be. He explained, “I think we did great. I think we came in and gave everything. There are some good Indian players here. Some good lads and some good characters. They enjoy football and they ask questions from the older boys in the squad. They want to learn. I think the gaffer now has a headache with the foreign boys being fit and the Indian boys playing well.” “I think Chennaiyin have been playing well. They’ve been unlucky. We need to go out there and play well. The first games were like a mini pre-season for us. The game will be tough. But we’ll be looking into the team tomorrow as well to learn a bit more. But we need to keep looking forward to playing another game in the league," the centre-back further exclaimed.