Kalinga Super Cup: Chennaiyin FC's Coach Coyle Emphasizes an Attacking Strategy Against Mumbai City FC
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Synopsis
Chennaiyin FC's head coach Owen Coyle asserts his team's commitment to an attacking style against Mumbai City FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, despite prior defensive struggles. Coyle aims to secure wins, emphasizing the importance of offensive play in cup competitions.
Key Takeaways
- Owen Coyle rejects a defensive approach.
- Chennaiyin FC's defensive issues have been significant.
- Connor Shields stands out with record assists.
- Clean sheets are crucial for team confidence.
- Coyle emphasizes the need for winning matches.
Bhubaneswar, April 21 (NationPress) Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle has stated that his team will not adopt a more defensive style in their opening match against Mumbai City FC during the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 on Wednesday, even after facing challenges with goal leaks in the ISL season.
This season, Coyle’s squad struggled significantly, managing to secure only four clean sheets and surrendering 11 points from winning positions.
Coyle recognized that the absence of clean sheets has adversely impacted the team, but he insists they will maintain a strong offensive presence against MCFC.
“The lack of clean sheets has been the primary factor that affected us this season. Our defense has not been up to par, but in cup tournaments, winning is essential. Therefore, we will not adopt a more defensive tactic. Our focus will be on winning matches,” Coyle stated in a pre-match press conference with IANS.
“We must defend effectively against the talented players in Mumbai's lineup, yet we will also showcase a significant attacking threat. Our goal is to win the game, as that is the essence of cup competitions,” he added.
A standout performer for the team has been Connor Shields, who recorded eight assists in the ISL 2024-25 season, matching Rafael Crivellaro’s record from 2019-20 for the most assists in a single season for Chennaiyin FC. He also created 76 chances—the highest by any player in a single ISL season.
In their initial matchup against Mumbai this season, Shields provided one assist in a 1-1 draw but missed the subsequent 0-1 defeat. He acknowledged that defensive weaknesses have been a hurdle this season, and achieving a clean sheet would boost the team’s confidence.
“It'll be a competitive game. Mumbai has been a formidable opponent over the past two years. Our success hinges on solid defense, and we need to capitalize on our opportunities when attacking. This year, we have been inconsistent defensively and offensively, but if we can secure a clean sheet, I am confident we will score goals and aim for victory,” said Shields in response to IANS.
