ISL 2022-23: If we want to take the next step, we have to score and win – Chennaiyin FC’s Thomas Brdaric

Chennaiyin FC head coach Thomas Brdaric feels they need to score and win if they want to take the next step in the ongoing Hero Indian Super League 2022-23. The Marina Machans played a 0-0 draw against ATK Mohun Bagan in Matchweek 16 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Saturday.

The home team took a total of six shots on target and had 45% of possession. Both teams had their chances throughout the 90 minutes but could not grab them in the end.

Brdaric is hopeful that his team can come up with better performances in the upcoming matches of the season.

​​”If you had told me at the beginning of the season that we’ll take four points from ATK Mohun Bagan, I would’ve agreed directly. We have to win against other teams, ATK Mohun Bagan is a strong team and also the match was balanced today. They could’ve scored and we could’ve scored as well and you saw two strong teams today. I’m proud that we can compete with those teams and I hope that we still believe in ourselves. There are six matches left, we’ll get opportunities to win matches against the teams where we have to win and then the situation will be better,” Brdaric said in the official post-match press conference.

In fact, Chennaiyin FC haven’t been at their best in the previous five matches, managing four draws and one loss. Thus, they have earned only four points in these last five fixtures.

“A draw is not bad but we can improve in some spells. We can have better composure, there were too many loose balls and we invited ATK Mohun Bagan to create opportunities. When we gave the ball away then only ATK Mohun Bagan were able to create danger otherwise they were not able to create something special so that’s why I’m satisfied with the defending. In attack, we had a bit of bad luck. In the first half, we could’ve scored and in the second half, the goalkeeper performed well. It was really a strong match but if we want to take the next step, we have to score and win,” he said.

The gaffer wants the players not to make foolish mistakes during the match and come up with a collective show.

“We have a good match plan and we have to understand that we don’t get punished due to foolish things. The last few matches were very close, we were disappointed in Jamshedpur that we couldn’t win there but in all the other games we had good performances and we can build up on that. And that’s why I’m not concerned about the situation, of course, we want to be in a much better position but anything can happen in the last six matches,” Brdaric added.

Chennaiyin FC faces Bengaluru FC in the next league fixture at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday.