ISL 2024-25: Chennaiyin FC Pursue a Home Double Against Odisha FC
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Chennai, Jan 8 (NationPress): Chennaiyin FC will strive to commence the new year with a victory as they challenge Odisha FC in an Indian Super League 2024-25 clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday. The Marina Machans began their ISL 2024-25 journey with a stunning comeback victory over Odisha back in September, with Farukh Choudhary scoring twice, resulting in the Juggernauts facing their first home defeat in 569 days.
Fast forward four months, Chennaiyin FC has recorded four wins and three draws, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Head coach Owen Coyle is eager to establish a strong momentum in the second half of the season.
“We have ten games remaining, six at home and four away, and each of them is very winnable,” Coyle expressed during the pre-match press conference in Chennai. “We hoped to have a fully fit squad, but the players available must rise to the occasion, and we need to initiate a winning streak, which we are certainly capable of. We’re starting against a formidable Odisha team, one we’ve already faced earlier in the season.
“We understand their strengths and qualities, but we also know we can defeat them. We accomplished it earlier in the season, and we must do it once more,” he asserted.
The New Year ushers in the January transfer window, and coach Coyle indicated his desire to enhance his squad. “The January window is challenging as clubs are often hesitant to release players. However, we are proactively seeking to strengthen our squad and aim to rejuvenate it with one or two new players,” he commented.
Joining Coyle was goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz, who was signed from Mumbai in the summer and has secured the No.1 position. When asked about the changing defensive line and unexpected errors, Nawaz emphasized the importance of unity and mutual support.
“When we concede goals due to mistakes, it’s tough for us, but we can’t single out any player because football is a team effort,” Nawaz explained. “Everyone makes mistakes; our focus should be on moving past them and improving the next day. The key is to play as a unit. We motivate each other, enhance each other’s skills, and strive for success.”
Lastly, coach Coyle confirmed that both Ankit Mukherjee and Elsinho have returned to training, with the former poised to make his comeback.
