ISL 2024-25: Coach Coyle Expresses Disappointment Over Losses as Chennaiyin Faces Hyderabad
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Chennai, Dec 10 (NationPress) The head coach of Chennaiyin FC, Owen Coyle, expressed that no one feels the discomfort of losses more than his players as they attempt to ascend the ranks in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. He indicated that they are the only ones who can bring joy to the fans when they clash with Hyderabad FC in an upcoming home match on Wednesday.
Chennaiyin FC aims to deliver a strong performance against Hyderabad FC, as both teams are former champions in the ISL. This match will be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Wednesday.
The Marina Machans have recorded three victories and three draws out of their eleven matches so far. A positive outcome against Hyderabad FC, currently positioned second from the bottom and on a streak of three losses, could propel Chennaiyin back into playoff contention.
Chennaiyin has previously clinched the ISL title twice, in 2015 and 2017-18, while Hyderabad secured their championship in 2021-22. Currently, both clubs find themselves near the bottom of the 13-team table for the 2024-25 season, with Chennaiyin FC in ninth place with 12 points and Hyderabad in twelfth with just seven points from ten matches.
In a pre-match media session in Chennai, coach Owen Coyle reflected on the challenges faced by his team in their last match, discussing potential improvements.
“We performed well until the goal from East Bengal. We generated five excellent chances that we failed to convert, which was avoidable,” Coyle noted. “There will always be phases where you experience losses. It’s not pleasant; it’s a dreadful feeling. No one feels the pain more acutely than us, but we are the ones who can turn it around. We can step onto that field, score our goals, capitalize on our chances, win the game, and bring joy to our supporters.”
“Moreover, I believe the entire team could enhance their vocal presence. Although Ryan Edwards serves as the captain, every player on the field should act as a leader. You need eleven leaders,” Coyle added.
Joining Coyle at the press conference was playmaker Connor Shields, who has had an impressive start to the season. Shields downplayed any pressure on the team as they aim for their first home win, emphasizing that the focus is on winning the match.
“Of course, we want to secure a victory at home tomorrow. That will happen. If we perform like we did against Odisha and NorthEast United FC, the matches we won, we will encounter no issues and will win tomorrow,” Shields stated.
In their previous encounter earlier this season at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad, the two sides played to a draw. The Marina Machans controlled the match at that time and will aim to earn maximum points in their twelfth meeting in the ISL.
