Magi-Coyle Messiah for the Machans

Who would have imagined back in December that Chennaiyin FC would have slammed four past the otherwise-indomitable FC Goa in the first leg of the Hero Indian Super League playoffs, or even finish top four?
Magi-Coyle it has been, indeed. The Scot was brought in when the club was ninth on the table with a mere five points in their kitty. They had scored just four goals and had conceded 10.
Post John Gregory’s departure, Coyle’s job was unenviable, given the task was to not just get the confidence of the players up but also bring some semblance to their style of play. The brief would have been to ensure that the club finishes as high as possible on the table and not end up with the wooden spoon for a second consecutive season.
The former Wigan Athletic manager managed to bring high intensity football to the club and it’s fair to state that the players have adapted to his approach. There are phases in every Chennaiyin match where they attack and press with intensity higher up the field and enforce a mistake from the opposition.
“We have shown we are dangerous offensively. But we need to have some balance. I think we are moving in the right direction, but we are nowhere near being the finished article. The players need to remember they are representing the two-time champions,” said Coyle.
Also Read: Chennaiyin take massive lead with 4-1 win over injury hit Goa
For ISL fixtures, League table and goal scorer stats visit: Hero ISL
He reminded the players that they play for a big club that has won titles and that they have the inherent ability to play much better than what they were dishing out earlier in the campaign. In their last seven league games, they picked up 19 points from a possible 21 and Chennaiyin definitely had momentum on their side going into the play-offs. The front four of Rafael Crivellaro, Nerijus Valskis, Andre Schembri and Lallianzuala Chhangte have been on fire.
“The other thing that is very important in football is momentum. If you can get on that run it would be great. The club has shown that in previous seasons and have found the momentum and gone on a winning run,” he said.
It’s not just the results but Coyle has made Chennaiyin amongst the most entertaining side to watch alongside FC Goa this season. The camaraderie between the front four or the understanding between Anirudh Thapa and Edwin Vanspaul in the middle to how he has got the best out of Lucian Goian and Eli Sabia, Coyle has certainly made his mark in the ISL.
A beleaguered Goa had to bear the brunt of a rampant Chennaiyin in the first-leg semi-final going into the away leg with a 4-1 advantage, where the likes Valskis and Crivellaro were yet to be unlocked. “I can assure there will be no complacency. We haven’t come this far to be complacent,” Coyle guaranteed.
More fireworks in Goa from Coyle’s Chennaiyin in the run up to the final? One wonders.
– Courtesy ISL Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Show off your Indian and European football knowledge with the football fantasy game from Playerzpot. Download the App with our special Footballcounter referral code, start playing and win cash daily.
Download app here: Link or click on the image below
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
Dhanbad Football Academy open registrations for training in Mumbai
With the football season resuming, Dhanbad Football Academy is opening registrations for children within the age group of 10 to 18. Dhanbad Football Academy is an AIFF accredited academy focused…
Indian Super League / Recommended / Transfer News
Indian International Adil Khan to join FC Goa on loan till end of season
32-year-old experienced midfielder Adil Khan is all set to represent FC Goa for the rest of the season on a loan deal. What was believed to be a swap deal…
Mumbai City sign Jackie in a swipe deal for Farukh
The Hero Indian Super League table-toppers Mumbai City FC have confirmed the signing of Jackichand Singh in place of Farukh Choudhary on Saturday, January 23. The Manipuri winger had previously…
Rahul snatches dramatic late win for Kerala
A late injury-time goal from Rahul KP handed Kerala Blasters a dramatic comeback 2-1 win over heated rivals Bengaluru FC in the Hero Indian Super League at the GMC Stadium…
Churchill Brothers look to consolidate position atop Hero I-League table in clash against Sudeva Delhi FC
Churchill Brothers, who have been on the top of the table for the first three rounds of the Hero I-League, would look to consolidate their position at the peak, when…
Mumbai survive spirited surge by SC East Bengal to win hard-fought three points
Mumbai City FC overcame a tough challenge from SC East Bengal to sneak in a 1-0 win in the Hero Indian Super League at the Tilak Maidan Stadium, here on…
It’s a matter of great pride that we host U-16 and U-19 National Teams, says Mr Vishal Dev
NEW DELHI: Mr Vishal Dev, IAS and Principal Secretary, Sports and Youth Services and Tourism, Government of Odisha claimed that hosting India U-16 and U-19 National teams has been a matter…
East Bengal face tall order in Mumbai City to keep unbeaten streak alive
Goa, January 21: SC East Bengal boss Robbie Fowler will have little difficulty in getting across to his players on what’s at stake for them on Friday. Win, and they will…
FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters FC – 3 Key Battles to watch out for
FC Goa are set to lock horns with Kerala Blasters FC at the Goa Medical College Ground in the city of Bambolim. Both the sides come into the clash on…
Yet another last-gasp win for ATK Mohun Bagan as Williams breaks Chennaiyin hearts
ATK Mohun Bagan had to wait until the 90th minute to score past a stubborn Chennaiyin FC defence as the Mariners registered a hard-fought and crucial 1-0 win in the Hero…
IKF to dispense free international football exposure for children in India
India Khelo Football (IKF) is a non-profit platform aimed at providing kids from India a fair chance to pursue their dream of playing football internationally. IKF shares its vision to…
MDFA / Recommended / Trials
IDBI Bank to hold trials for a central defender
After successfully conducting their first round of trials on 21st November, MDFA Super Division outfit are now looking to conduct another trial in search of Central Defenders. With football resuming,…
Chedda Nagar FC set to conduct trials for MDFA Super Division
Chedda Nagar Football Fanatics will be conducting trials to reform their MDFA Super Division squad. Being established in 2011, Chedda Nagar is a renowned name in Mumbai football. The team…
IDBI Bank to host trials for MDFA Super Division
With football resuming, IDBI Bank will be conducting trials for the upcoming MDFA Season. The team will participate in the Super Division and will be seen conducting their first round…
MDFA / Recommended / Super Division / Trials
Madanpura FA, Sara FA to host trials for the upcoming MDFA season
Sara Football Academy and Madanpura FA to host trials for MDFA Super division & 2nd division and 3rd division respectively on the 19th and 21st of November simultaneously. Sara FA…
FC Hydra to hold trials for women footballers in Bengaluru
FC Hydra will be holding trials for women footballers for the upcoming BDFA A division Women’s league. The club is based out of Bengaluru. FC Hydra will be holding trials…
3rd Division / MDFA / Trials
NLWS FC to hold trials for MDFA 3rd division
NLWS FC is club based in Dadar who have registered themselves in the MDFA 3rd division for the 2020-21 season. The club will be holding trials for the same. Mauli…
Elite Division / MDFA / Trials
The Oranje FC to host trials for MDFA Elite Division
The Oranje FC will be hosting trials for the upcoming MDFA 2020-21 season this November. The club will be participating in the MDFA Elite division this season. Established in 2017,…
2nd Division / MDFA / Trials
Sporting Options FC to hold trials for MDFA 2nd Division
Sporting Options Football Club will be hosting trials for the upcoming 2020-21 football season. The team is currently playing in the MDFA 2nd division. Sporting Options FC was established in…
MDFA 1st Division side Madanpura Sports Club soon to host trials
With football gradually returning, Mumbai based Madanpura Sports Club are slated to conduct trials for the upcoming season. Madanpura Sports Club is the Junior team of Bombay Muslims SC, who…