Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle was not impressed with his team’s defensive performance after they suffered a 1-3 loss against Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai in the ongoing Indian Super League on Thursday.

Jesus Jimenez scored the opening goal for the Yellow Tuskers in the third minute and Coyle said they were not turned on. The Marina Machans were reduced to 10 men after Wilmar Jordan Gil received a red card in the 37th minute.

To add salt to the injury for Chennaiyin FC, Korou Singh scored at the stroke of halftime for the visitors. Kwame Peprah scored the third goal for the tourists in the 56th minute whereas Vincy Berretto scored a consolation goal at the end for the hosts.

Chennaiyin FC had 48.7% possession but they could only take two shots on target against the away team.

“We gave away a very soft goal in the first few minutes. The defensive reaction has to be a lot better,” he said during the post-match press conference.

“Defensively we were nowhere near good enough. This is not just tonight but it’s been a story throughout the season. Nobody is running away from that. And that’s where as individuals we need to take responsibility,” he added.

The Scottish head coach wants the fans to keep supporting the team as it means a lot to the club.

“I just want to say to the fans that keep supporting us. Chennaiyin FC is a club that you love. You support the club through thick and thin. They were vocal tonight and they are a great fanbase,” he said.

The gaffer urged his players to move on quickly from the loss and focus on the upcoming matches.

“Football changes very quickly, so we have to pick ourselves up and go again. We can’t change the results. So, we can either feel sorry for ourselves or show desire and hunger again. That’s what we need to do,” he concluded.

Chennaiyin FC will next take on East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on 8th February.