Chennaiyin FC will face Mohammedan SC in their first home game of the season after pulling off an incredible comeback victory against Odisha FC in their season opener. Mohammedan, who have already played twice this season, settled for a draw in their second game and lost their first. Having played both their games at home, this would be the freshly promoted I-League team’s first ISL game played away from home, therefore the Black Panthers would have a task. Ahead of the match, Owen Coyle and midfielder Lalrinliana Hnamte spoke to the media, and we’ll look at what the Scottish head coach said.
“The longer the season goes, the stronger we would get”, emphasized Owen Coyle
Chennaiyin FC got off to a fantastic start this season by defeating Odisha FC 3-2 at the Kalinga Stadium in the season opener. After losing their season opener at the same venue in the 2022–2023 season, the Marina Machans put up a very encouraging show this time around. Owen Coyle said that his team’s performance that day was exemplary and brought up Odisha’s amazing home record of remaining undefeated for nearly two seasons when questioned about the performance and significance of the outcome.
“This (Odisha FC) was a team that we were playing that went 2 years not losing a game at home and to come from behind and give that level of performance, the character and the quality we’ve shown, that was exemplary. It was there for everyone to see, that’s what we need to do! I’ve said this last season, one game doesn’t define our season. I do believe the longer the season goes, the stronger we would get.”
“We respect every opponent but we do not fear anybody”, added Owen Coyle on Mohammedan SC
Owen Coyle expressed admiration for the Mohammedan’s performance thus far and showed great respect for the opposition. He continued by saying that the Black Panthers were unfortunate to lose their opening match against Northeast United FC due to a late winner. In addition, he stated that Mohammedan was superior to Goa in their second match, in which they were forced to settle for a draw by Armando Sadiku’s late equalizer.
Owen Coyle stated he doesn’t fear anyone despite the respect, and he added that his team can win the game if they play at their highest level. Jiteshwor Singh and Bikash Yumnam, who missed the match against Odisha, are back in training, stated Coyle.
“Mohammedan is a club with an incredible history. They’ve already shown in their two performances that they are a good side. They have a very very good coach. They’ve got some very exciting players. I felt they were very unfortunate to lose the first game against Northeast.”
“The other night, Mohammedan should have won that game. Mohammedan were far better. We are very respectful and complimentary of what they are. We respect every opponent but we do not fear anybody. And particularly back at home, we look to play our game. If we are at our very best, that’s a game we can win. But, we have to be at our best to do that.”
“I spoke to him back in January and was desperate to get him”, said Owen Coyle on Hnamte
Midfielder Lalrinliana Hnamte, who was present at the pre-game press conference with Owen Coyle, received heaps of praise from the Scottish head coach. Hnamte has settled in pretty effectively in the Chennaiyin midfield showcasing his talent in the Bandodkar Trophy as well as in the opening game against Odisha FC. Against Odisha, the midfielder had a great chance to score his first goal in Chennaiyin colors from a free kick, but the post denied him. Owen Coyle talked about how Hnamte drew his attention and how eager he was to convince the teenage prodigy to join Chennaiyin FC when his contract with the Mohun Bagan Super Giants was about to expire.
“Hnamte has fantastic qualities and that’s why I brought him to the club. I remember when I saw him back when he was at East Bengal, he caught my eye and I thought, “WOW! who’s that kid there” watched all his games and continued to follow his progress. I spoke to him back in January and was desperate to get him when he was going to come out of contract.”
“Daniel Chima and Jordan Gil are top strikers in ISL”, replied Owen Coyle when asked about the strikers
A team that has had outstanding strikers in the past, such as Stiven Mendoza, Valskis, and Jeje, to mention a few, the club’s strikers have underperformed in the last three seasons, with Sliskovic the exception. This time around, Coyle has chosen strikers with ISL expertise. Chennaiyin supporters had their worries about Wilmar Jordan Gil and Daniel Chima Chukwu’s potential influence in the forthcoming season even before the season began.
Chima made an outstanding debut, scoring against Odisha, whereas Gil came on as a substitute and played just 12 minutes. Owen Coyle stressed that Chima is a champion, and Wilmar has done well since joining the league. In addition, he expressed his satisfaction with his striking alternatives and mentioned that these two provide much more to the squad than simply goals.
“Daniel Chima is a champion. Not only in India but a champion in Norway, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde. Jordan Gil has been all over the world and has had a distinguished career. Came into the league, and scored a lot of goals at Northeast, a team fighting down at the bottom (at that time). Came in last year to the Punjab team who did very well in the second half of the season and Jordan was a huge part of that. So, these two players are proven in ISL. These are top strikers in ISL. But, they are team players and that’s really important. I’m delighted with my strikers and I know what they bring to my team.”
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