ISL 2024-25: Chennaiyin FC’s leaky defence meets Mohun Bagan’s ruthless attack
ISL 2024-25: Chennaiyin FC’s leaky defence meets Mohun Bagan’s ruthless attack
Tough questions will be asked of the porous Chennaiyin FC defence when the side hosts league leader Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday.
MBSG, the defending League Shield champion, will be travelling to the south of India after dropping points against Jamshedpur FC last week.
As for Owen Coyle’s side, it is returning home after letting a two-goal lead slip late against Mohammedan Sporting.
Despite languishing in 10th place, the Scotsman felt his side could repeat last year’s antics and book its place in the top six. “There’s no doubt that we can make a late surge to the playoffs. We have been decimated by injuries and illness. We have conceded too many goals for our liking, but I can’t remember the last time we played the same back-four for two games in a row,” said Coyle, who is “very frustrated” to miss the match against the Mariners due to suspension.
Taking his place on the sidelines will be assistant coach Noel Wilson, who agreed with Coyle on Chennaiyin’s defensive instability. Since the side’s 1-1 home draw against Mumbai City FC in November, Chennaiyin hasn’t had the same back three or back four in consecutive games.
“Even when we have a two-goal lead, we are not safe. We need to score more because, with a two-goal lead, the defence needs to be intact till the end. And when a match goes to injury time, you need to be more focussed. I think that’s where our defence has lacked,” Wilson told reporters on Monday.
Chennaiyin will be hoping that the arrival of experienced defender Pritam Kotal will augur defensive solidity for the rest of the season.
“Pritam, with his experience, will certainly help and that’s one of the reasons we’ve brought him in. He’s got leadership qualities and he can bring that to Chennaiyin. I hope to see him in action against Mohun Bagan,” said Coyle.
The Chennai-based side’s starting line-up could see more chopping and changing as Wilson revealed team news. “Ryan [Edwards] had the flu and he was out for a week. He has just started training. Every time someone comes in [the defence], someone goes out. We’ll have to see whether he’s ready for tomorrow. Lukas [Brambilla] is not doing great after the ankle injury he sustained in the last match.”
Up against Chennaiyin FC’s leaky defence will be the merciless attack of Mohun Bagan, which shares the top spot for most goals scored this season (31) with Odisha and NorthEast United FC.
Historically, the head-to-head record favours the Kolkata-based outfit which has won four times, against Chennaiyin’s two victories. Despite having won the reverse fixture earlier this season, the Mariners’ head coach Jose Molina is wary of the opponent.
“They [Chennaiyin] are a strong team. It’s true they are suffering and conceding goals and I’m sure it’s not going to be easy. It’s never easy. We have to fight and I’m sure my players will give their best; they have been doing so from the beginning,” the Spaniard told reporters in Kolkata.
As for the Mohun Bagan camp, the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad and Ashique Kuruniyan continue to be doubtful for selection, but the side could be bolstered with the availability of Apuia in the midfield.
