ISL 2022-23: Want to approach games with a strong mentality: Chennaiyin FC’s Thomas Brdaric

Chennaiyin FC head coach Thomas Brdaric wants his players to approach upcoming games with a strong mentality. The Marina Machans lost their previous match against Bengaluru FC by 3-1 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday.

Chennaiyin FC were rocked on the back foot in the first 30 minutes of play as Sivasakthi Narayanan scored a brace whereas Rohit Kumar also found the back of the net for the Blues. Vanspaul scored for the visitors in the 59th minute but it was not enough for them to bounce back into the game.

The tourists had 57% of possession and took three shots on target but it was always going to be difficult for them to bounce back after trailing by 3-0. Brdaric feels the team’s performance in the second half was impressive and they will want to carry the same.

“The second half of the game was what we wanted to show throughout the game. That is what sets us apart from other teams, we have a good mentality, and it was encouraging to see the way we played the second half. This is how we want to approach the next games, if everybody stays together in this task, then we can win matches,” Brdaric said in the official post-match press conference.

Brdaric is optimistic about a good performance in the upcoming matches and wants his players to come up with a collective show.

“We conceded three goals in the first half, but in the second half we changed our game, and I am sure in the next week you will see a good performance,” Brdaric stated.

“Everybody wants to play in the playoffs, it is a nice objective. We lost a game that we did not want to, we wanted to pick up points and chase the sixth spot without making mistakes. The mistakes and errors have lessened, it can be seen in our last few games through our key organization and structure, but we have to fight and hope to reach our targets,” he added.

Chennaiyin FC will next face Odisha FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Thursday.