Following a 1-0 home victory against Hyderabad FC, Chennaiyin will face Mumbai City away from home at the Mumbai Football Arena. Chennaiyin’s record against Mumbai has been poor in recent seasons, and Owen Coyle’s team will be trying to reverse that this time around. With Owen Coyle feeling unwell, assistant coach Noel Wilson and Kiyan Nassiri addressed the media before the journey to Mumbai.
Injury Update:
There are concerns regarding a few players who have not been mentioned because approximately 10 members of the team have been ill. Fortunately, Ryan Edwards and Lukas Brambilla, who were substituted out of the last game owing to knocks, have returned to training with the squad. Elsinho will be unavailable until January 2025. Ankit, who had been sidelined for the past month, has returned to full training and may be available as well.
“I can’t say the players who are not available”, Noel Wilson on the illness within the camp
Owen Coyle doesn’t seem to be the only one with viral fever. Within the camp, a considerable number of individuals have been afflicted with the disease. Noel Wilson addressed the media and stated that approximately ten members of the squad, including the head coach and support staff, were affected. Noel joked that he does not want to give the opposition the player’s names when he was questioned about them.
“There are close to 10 players and staff who have been having this viral fever along with our head coach. So, today also, there were just a few players who came into the field to have a light training because they have been in for a while. So, it is close to 10 people including the staff and players who are having this viral fever. The reason I can’t say the players who are not available is because then the opposition is going to take this and make a strategy. So, sorry about that. But yes, players and staff have been having this viral fever.”
“He wants you to express a lot of yourself with the ball in the final third”, Kiyan Nassiri on Owen Coyle
In an attempt to establish himself and gain more playing time, Kiyan made the bold choice to quit Mohun Bagan and join Chennaiyin. However, he had a very difficult start and didn’t get a lot of minutes But now, Kiyan appears to have earned the coach’s trust and is playing more minutes. Kiyan discussed the lack of minutes and how Owen Coyle assists him with every training session.
“I would say I am just trying my best in training. And obviously, it’s not in my hands who makes it into the first eleven. Obviously, I can train and do very well and just keep my head up and keep training every day. Give my 100 percent. I think by just working and if the coach decides I am fit to play and I should be playing, then I will be there.”, added Kiyan on lack of minutes initially.
“I wouldn’t say just me. But improvement, I’d say, for quite a few of the boys. He (Coyle) backs you a lot in training and gives you a lot of confidence. So, you can express yourself more on the ball. And obviously, he wants you to express a lot of yourself with the ball in the final third. And I think that’s one way, I’d say, I have gotten better. And I am more happy that I am playing and getting more on the ball. I am just trying to enjoy my football.”, replied Kiyan when asked about Owen Coyle’s impact on his game.
“The main thing is we want to get into the playoffs first”, Noel Wilson on goals for the season
At the halfway point of the season, Chennaiyin has only won four games and has been somewhat inconsistent. The team’s supporters’ expectations rose as a result of a fantastic transfer window and Owen Coyle’s retention. Noel stated that making the playoffs is the primary goal when questioned about what the coaches expect from this season.
“To be honest, I think, as you know, the head coach is Owen Cole, right? So, he has his own plans. So, I am just assisting him. I think, end of the season, we are always looking to get into the playoffs. That’s what Chennai did last year. Because in the second phase, they were winning a lot of games and getting in. So, I think Owen would be better to give you the proper definition, of what it is. But as an assistant, I am also in the same part. The main thing is we want to get into the playoffs first.”
“Irfan has a bright future”, Noel Wilson on Irfan Yadwad
In Chennaiyin’s most recent match against Hyderabad FC, Irfan Yadwad scored the game-winning goal. This year, the young striker has displayed flashes of brilliance by scoring goals lately. He recently made his debut against Malaysia after receiving his first call-up to the national squad. In response to the topic of whether Irfan can replace Sunil Chhetri, Noel discussed Irfan’s abilities and potential.
“To be honest, replacing, I can’t say that because it takes a while. Because Sunil Chhetri has achieved something, you know, which is high. But records are meant to be broken. And I cannot say Irfan can do it. But at the same time, Irfan is a guy, you can see he is very athletic, and he keeps working hard which is a good sign for him. But he has to be on the ground, stay on his feet, and just keep working hard. Because that’s what is going to take him higher. So, I think he is a good player, he is working hard, he has a bright future.”
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