Chennai City FC is looking forward to a positive start to the 2021 Hero I-League with a win over Gokulam Kerala in their opening fixture.
New clubs, new kits, new city and new challenges awaits in the countdown of I-league 2021. The football festive is back after long-break months of anticipation. The 2021 I-league kicks off with match day 1 on 9th January 2021 in Kolkata.
The carpet is set to roll out, as the former champions Chennai City FC lock horns with Gokulam Kerala on 9th January. With all new hopes, they will be looking forward to perpetuate the rhythm that Akbar Nawas had left for the side.
Ahead of their opening match, Chennai City’s new boss Satyasagara and the captain Charles Anandraj addressed the press conference held today. The new boss is all primed to guide the team and hoping for a refreshing start. Satyasagara was replaced as the new head coach after Akbar Nawas’ departure.
” It’s very challenging, and no one expects a championship in the first year, but Akbar did it. He promoted more local talents and it’s really hard to fill his shoes. But I’ll give my best in shaping our team to the right outlook.” told IFTWC about Akbar Nawas and how he felt after replacing him.
On the flip side Gokulam Kerala had a good preparation to their season having played tournaments and IFA Shield. Gokulam Kerala is a good side who can endure tough challenges to their opponents. Satya feels his team must be thoughtful against Gokulam’s challenges. ” Time wasn’t on our side. I feel Gokulam Kerala is a good team who can fight and give a tough match. They are our Arch-Rivals so it must be an important match for us.” he added.
The newly recruited Chennai City Gaffer had all praises for his new recruits-” Our Spaniards had been impressive the last season, and this year we have recruited some Serbian Contingents, lately they are adapting well to our philosophy and tactics. Our newly recruited Demir is a proven goal-scorer. Iqbal was with me in the youth team and senior team. He understands my plans well and I Hope everyone finds well in this season.”
On being asked about the philosophy of team’s game, the Gaffer told ” Its more are less similar to Akbar’s style. I have made some changes to the team formation from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1 inverting the triangle attack, because we had a challenging season last year. Albeit scoring goals, we conceded many. So we must be cautious and we must look after the defensive concerns and play accordingly.”
After a long lay off the players are set to return to the pitch. “It’s very challenging in this Bio-bubble secure. We had a short pre-season. Situations can’t be avoided but one should cope well. We’re looking for a good start. Its a moral boost when we win our season opener. Football is a game which can go either side. So its big boost if we can try to win the games. Ideally we are looking for a top four finish” concluded the Gaffer with a note of hope.
The Chennai City’s new captain also shared his opinions and beliefs about the club and his junior mates. ” I’m very much honored to be the captain of the team. I was playing for Chennai City FC for the past three years and I’m happy to play for my club. Happy that I was asked to lead the team. It motivates you when you play for a club from your hometown. I’m happy that they gave me the opportunity and I hope to give my best to the side. As a senior player I should help my team and help my juniors to help their game”
It’s a dismal that the team misses their fans in this hard bio-bubble secure. “It’ll be difficult as you know the fans from Coimbatore are really good and pushes your game to the next level. Much sad that we will miss them. But I hope they support us from their homes. I hope I lead my team to the success and will inspire many youngsters.” concluded the captain.
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