ATK, Chennaiyin aim to show champion stuff

Manuel Lanzarote of ATK during practice session before the match 14 of the Hero Indian Super League 2018 ( ISL ) between Jamshedpur FC and ATK held at JRD Tata Sports Complex, Jamshedpur, India on the 21st October 2018 Photo by: Deepak Malik /SPORTZPICS for ISL

Defending champions Chennaiyin FC & former champions ATK will have a single-minded pursuit of a win as they face each other in a Hero Indian Super League clash at the Vivekananda YBK stadium in Kolkata on Friday. 

A win is of paramount importance for both teams given the way the ISL table is shaping up. ATK have four points from four games in their kitty while Chennaiyin FC have only a point to show for their efforts.

After two losses in a row at home, ATK put in solid shifts away to defeat Delhi Dynamos and then hold Jamshedpur FC. But given that all the five teams above Steve Coppell’s side have played a game less, nothing less than three points would do for them.

“A lot of teams are on the same level. But some have elevated themselves. We want to be at the elite level. For that, we need to win at home. Good teams win at home. We have to collect points in front of our home fans and in front of the home ground,” said Coppell.

Chennaiyin FC are also badly in need of three points. They are yet to notch a win this season but have snapped a three-game losing streak after a goalless draw with Delhi Dynamos. Coach John Gregory will be a hopeful man after that result given that his team finally kept a clean sheet, although against a toothless Delhi attack. But anything other than a win will see the defending champions fall well behind in the race for the play-off spots.

“We’ve played four matches and there are some new faces in the team. They are taking some time to settle down. Day-by-day, the performance level is improving. We’re working on our mistakes but I think we’re getting better,” said Chennaiyin FC assistant coach Sabir Pasha who filled in for unwell head coach John Gregory.

The champions have been leaky in defence so far but the pair of Inigo Calderon and Eli Sabia looked confident against Dynamos. However, their finishing left a lot to be desired in Delhi. Considering the kind of chances Carlos Salom spurned, Gregory could bring back last year’s top scorer Jeje Lalpekhlua into the starting XI.

“ATK is always strong. No doubt they have lost two matches at home. But they will come stronger tomorrow. They can’t be taken lightly. They play really hard and put the opponent under pressure,” said Pasha. Both coaches, Coppell and Gregory, lay a lot of emphasis on defensive solidity and like to counter at pace. The battle of the British coaches certainly promises a treat.

Also Read: AFC U19 Womens Championship qualifiers: India maul Pakistan 18-0

Also Read: India set to face Jordan for the first time ever in FIFA Friendly

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football 

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…

Share

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…

Share

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.

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share