ISL Season 8: It has been a topsy turvy ride for Chennaiyin FC this season in the Indian Super League. The Marina Machans have struggled to get going and have not simply been clinical in front of goal. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.IN
Head coach Bozidar Bandovic has tried different players upfront and has not found that single prolific goalscorer. They even signed Nerijus Valskis from Jamshedpur FC but even the Lithuanian has struggled to find the net like his former self.
The fight never stops.
We go again. @ssvminstitution #AllInForChennaiyin pic.twitter.com/nk3jyKLR5v
— Chennaiyin F.C. (@ChennaiyinFC) February 8, 2022
The two time champions lost 1-0 against Mumbai City FC in their last game and unfortunately, they did not even register a single shot on target. Therefore Bandovic has admitted that even when they have taken control in the game they have not dispatched the chances that came their way. He hoping to fix those issues in future games.
“Yes. I think sometimes when we play well, we had chances, but we didn’t score the goals. But now we have this team and we need to try our best. I think tactically, last game we did some things very well, but we made so many mistakes with the ball in our feet when we were not under the pressure. And, this was the one thing that we need to fix for the future, but the boys had a very good effort and they gave everything on the field for this game,” Bandovic said ahead of the match against FC Goa.
CFC vs FCG: Chennaiyin FC clash swords against FC Goa in a battle of keeping playoffs hopes alive
Bandovic then analysed FC Goa’s gameplay and also did point out how they leave space at the back when pressed hard. He feels that he has cracked the code for the Gaurs and now needs to implement that plan on the pitch.
“(FC Goa are a) technical team, they like to play from the back. They had some problems when they were pressed hard. We see the moments, what we can do. We tried it in the Mumbai City FC game, but they didn’t try to build that from the back, they played long balls. So, the second thing is, they have very technical players, they want to keep the ball. They want to press high. And sometimes, if the opponent presses very high, of course, you need to play with the long balls. But, we are preparing and the midfield needs to be very strong, now that we don’t have (Vladimir) Koman and probably I will move up Ariel (Borysiuk) in the middle,” the Chennaiyin FC boss explained.
The Montenegrin tactician admitted that it is difficult for the Marina Machans to get into the playoffs but he is not giving up that chance. He also adds how missing key players are a major factor for Chennaiyin FC ending up in this position.
“Difficult (to make it to the top four), but there’s always chances, we have to give everything and we have to try everything. I’m always honest when these key players are out, we don’t have options. We have options but those are not the same. So you see, it’s very clear, that’s what I’m saying. I said even before, maybe when you hear this, it’s difficult to accept that. I said that it’s going to be a big success for us to finish in the top four.” Bandovic added.
Editors pick
