Chennaiyin FC did a decent job against the in-form Kerala Blasters as they bounced back from a goal down Chennaiyin FC did a decent job against the in-form Kerala Blasters as they bounced back from a goal down to finish the match 1-1 earning a very crucial point. Head coach Thomas Brdaric was very satisfied with the result and the point that they got from the game after trailing a goal down.
to finish the match 1-1 earning a very crucial point. Head coach Thomas Brdaric was very satisfied with the result and the point that they got from the game after trailing a goal down.

Sahal Abdul Samad scored the opening goal of the game as he put Kerala Blasters in front but later Vincy Barretto restored parity for the Marina Machans. After this result nothing changed for both the teams. Chennaiyin FC remain in seventh position whereas Kerala Blasters continue to keep a five point deficit over them in sixth position.

At the press conference Thomas Brdaric shared how proud he was of the boys for the mentality that they showed to comeback in the game after their opponents scored first. He understands the areas they need to improve but considering the circumstances, the opponents and the intensity ahead of the game he was satisfied with a draw.

“I’m delighted that we bounced back, with a good mentality and power. It was a good effort as we played against a good team, the team who had won their last five matches. As a coach you’re never satisfied, we have to improve of course but today with the circumstances, the fans and the opponents, it was a great event. I’m really proud of the fans, how they support us and the atmosphere, that’s something that we need,” Brdaric stated.

Kerala Blasters sensed a possibility of winning the game in the last ten minutes as they sprayed crosses towards the Chennaiyin box. Brdaric shared how the last 10 minutes were dramatic and any of the two teams could have won it. He also assured the fans that they will learn from their mistakes and not repeat it again.

“In the last 10 minutes, everything was open. A win, draw or loss was possible. This is the drama that I like in football. Today it was a great fight from both teams, both teams want to be in the playoffs. We learn from our tweaks in the past and we don’t repeat the same mistakes again and we prevented something like this in a good way, especially in the second half. Today one point feels like a victory,” the Chennaiyin FC boss revealed.

Lastly Brdaric revealed the reason to not include Abdenasser El Khayati as he shared how the Dutchman is always a starter when he is fit and has that ability to change the game on its course whether be it as a starter or by coming off the bench. However the coach was very strict with the training session and he was not happy with the Dutchman due to his poor showing in the training sessions.

“We need all the players, foreigners and Indian players. Abdenasser (El Khayati) made the difference totally and if he’s fit, he’s a starting XI. Unfortunately, he had some health problems and he couldn’t start. Yesterday he didn’t complete the training session, he trained but not for the whole session. In the span of eight days, he didn’t have one strong training session. We want to reward the players for their hard work but of course, they have to deliver. They have to be deserving to be in the first 20 and those players, they deserve to be in the playing XI,” Brdaric concluded.