Chennai City host East Bengal in their new home
The newly shaped Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium of Coimbatore is all set to welcome Hero I-League at its doorstep with Chennai City FC going head to head against the Kolkata giants Kingfisher East Bengal.
Speaking at the press conference Kingfisher East Bengal Head Coach, Khalid Jamil said, ”We just to play our natural game as we have played all our matches. I never look back into the past and won’t do that either. We played a positive football in our last game and garnered important three points. Boys are really confident and we are focused on tomorrow’s game.”
The architect of the last win, Willis Plaza doesn’t feel complacent at all and he stresses on the ‘team-effort’. “We’re really feeling confident, we are in good shape and whether I score or anyone else does, it matters little. The most important thing is the team and to churn out the positive results”, the T&T-born striker aired.
On the other hand, the home team coach V Soundarajan coming back from an emphatic win over Churchill Brothers FC Goa showed his concern over the less ‘recovery time’ following their away fixture. He said,”We played our last match on 19th while they (Kingfisher East Bengal) played two days before. Then we had to fly back to Coimbatore. It might be a concern for my boys tomorrow”, Soundarajan sounded cautious before the Southern outfit goes out tomorrow for their first home match of the season.
He didn’t mince his words praising the Red & Golds ahead of the media. “They are a well-organised unit and no one can deny that they’re one of the top teams in India. They will surely impose a great challenge for us. On the flipside, it’s a great advantage for us to gauge our potential”, Chennai City FC coach stressed.
He added, “It’s our first home match of the season and incidentally this will be our first time at our new home stadium. Hence, it can be termed as an away fixture for us as well.” Soosai Raj, who was handed the armband before the season kicked off, said that it’s not putting any extra pressure on him on the pitch.
“We go out to play our normal game. I’m immensely proud to wear the armband but frankly saying, it doesn’t put any added pressure on me”, the creative midfielder stated. Meanwhile, coach rued the soft goals which cost them vital points. “Actually, our goalkeeper joined us later and the time for adjustment with the team is clearly visible from some last minute lapses in the defence. Anyway, we’re improving with each training session and it’ll rightly reflect on our performance.”
Sydney Vanspaul also chipped in and he sounded pretty confident before taking on the Red & Golds tomorrow. “We all remember our last season’s win and it’ll obviously boost us before tomorrow’s match. But, everyone will start from the scratch and we have to try our best to repeat the feat again.”
Skipper Soosai Raj added, “Our win came at the right moment. Although we’re playing some positive football, results were not coming our way. Finally, we got the win which was long overdue.”
The match is scheduled at 05:30 PM and it’ll be telecast on Star Sports 2, 2 HD and streamed live on Hotstar, Jio TV.
Also Read: Blasters hope to continue momentum
Also Read: Frustrated de Deus rues near misses
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…