ISL 2022-23: To win in Kolkata is a big success for us: Chennaiyin FC head coach Thomas Brdaric

Chennaiyin FC head coach Thomas Brdari believes to win in Kolkata is a big success for them. The Marina Machans bested ATK Mohun Bagan by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Monday. Manvir Singh gave a 1-0 lead to the home team in the 27th minute.

However, the tourists were able to bounce back stronger as Ghanaian player Kwame Karikari scored through the penalty in the 62nd minute. Subsequently, Rahim Ali scored in the 83rd minute to help Chennaiyin FC win their opening clash of the season and grab three crucial points.

Thomas Brdaric was delighted with the performance of his team, especially in the second half when they scored two goals after going down in the first 45 minutes.

Brdaric said in the post-match press conference, “We are very proud to have won the three points and make our club owners and fans happy. I’m very pleased with my players. We played in a professional way. Of course, in the first half we lacked some concentration. I was also surprised (that we made) too many simple mistakes. I knew that it would be tough to survive the first 15-20 minutes because we have some players who are struggling a bit. But in this case, we should take the experience to our advantage and to do it better next time. But with three points in the pocket, we travel back to Chennai and this is the most important thing.”

Meanwhile, Debjit Majumdar had a brilliant game for Chennaiyin FC as he made six saves to keep his team in the hunt. Brdaric said that the credit for the win goes to the whole team for coming up with a collective show.

Brdaric said, “To single out one player, it’s not fair. It was a team performance and what I asked and expected from the players, they were able to implement in the game. ATK Mohun Bagan is not a very bad team. They have one of the best squads and a good coach. To win here is a big success for us. And yes, Debjit in the past, had some tough moments but his goalkeeping coach did a pretty good job (in getting him ready), as with the other keepers. He was a really good wall in defense and he saved some really good chances from our opponents. I’m very happy that I have him in my team.”

Chennaiyin FC will play their second match of the tournament against Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Friday.