Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle was delighted with the team’s 1-0 win against Hyderabad FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai in the ongoing Indian Super League 2024-25 on Wednesday. Coyle’s team was able to break their three-match losing streak with this win.
Irfan Yadwad scored in the fifth minute of the game to put Marina Machans in front. In fact, both teams could only take a solitary shot on target and the home team only had 42.7% possession.
“What we showed tonight was very important. That reaction, the grit, the desire. When we went up and we made sure we saw the game through, even went down to 10 men. But we were the team that were looking to add to the goals. We had some wonderful chances early in the second half. Irfan scored one from a cross, Jordan had a great header, Connor cut one back for Farukh just somewhere around the back post so there were times we had an edge and we’ve been there but that’s natural when you’ve lost a couple of games.. You think I want to take what I’ve got but you relax, focus, concentrate moving the ball and maybe we did that. We created some really good chances,” said Coyle during the post-match press conference.
Meanwhile, Elsinho was forced off in the first half due to an injury and the manager is hoping that the injury isn’t much serious.
“He has to undergo scans now on his neck, back of his head and different things but I hope the scans come back clear. The good thing is that he is responsive, but ultimately when we see the scans, we will know that his neck has no fracture or no damage. I think at this moment of time we keep our thoughts and prayers with Elsinho to make sure he’s okay,” Coyle shared.
Coyle gave his gratitude to the Chennai fans who came in decent numbers to support their team despite the rain.
“What I wanted to do was put a smile tonight on those (Chennaiyin FC) fans’ faces. The ones that came tonight.. It was raining and everything and it’s not easy when you’ve lost a couple of games to come. That loyal band of support that we got, the Super Machans, the B Stand Blues and the ones at the side, all credit to them. They come, they’re loyal, they’re vocal and get behind the team so I’m delighted to put a smile on their face tonight,” he said.
Chennaiyin FC will next take on defending champions Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on 21st December.
