Chennaiyin FC’s collapse in this edition of the Indian Super League has been nothing short of spectacular.
John Gregory
Chennai:
Chennaiyin has five points, and even if it miraculously wins all its remaining games, it will climb to a maximum of 26 points. “I feel huge disappointment for everybody associated with the club. I carry hurt and disappointment, rather than pressure. It hurts me the worst. That’s how I feel. Having had an amazing 12 months prior to September this year, it hurts me the most. But that’s what comes with the job,” said head coach John Gregory.
Just like the fans, Gregory must have been left wondering how his team does not seem to get anything right. The side has underperformed collectively and looks a mere shadow of the defensively resolute outfit which opponents found hard to crack in ISL 4. The 21 goals it conceded points to a bigger malaise and the form of some stars, including striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, is a huge cause for concern.
So, what next for Chennaiyin after surrendering its title at the halfway stage? All is not over for the defending champion; its exploits last season earned it a place in the AFC Cup, Asia’s continental club competition, and there should be enough motivation to get some wins under its belt and improve the morale.
“The AFC Cup becomes the focus if ISL goes out. By the end of this month, we will have a really good idea of whether our play-off hopes are completely over. It is a huge ask for us to catch-up. You’re praying for a miracle here,” added Gregory. Between now and early next year when the AFC Cup kicks off, Gregory will have time to utilise the winter break in the ISL and the January transfer window to plug the holes.
A side that knew how to grind out results and defeated the mighty Bengaluru FC in its own den to win the ISL title last season, now seems to have forgotten that art. Its 0-2 reverse against Mumbai City FC on Thursday was its eighth loss in 11 games. For those who followed it last season, this is a stunning collapse, and it is unlikely that it will make it to the play-offs, forget about defending the title.
Chennaiyin has five points, and even if it miraculously wins all its remaining games, it will climb to a maximum of 26 points. “I feel huge disappointment for everybody associated with the club. I carry hurt and disappointment, rather than pressure. It hurts me the worst. That’s how I feel. Having had an amazing 12 months prior to September this year, it hurts me the most. But that’s what comes with the job,” said head coach John Gregory.
Just like the fans, Gregory must have been left wondering how his team does not seem to get anything right. The side has underperformed collectively and looks a mere shadow of the defensively resolute outfit which opponents found hard to crack in ISL 4. The 21 goals it conceded points to a bigger malaise and the form of some stars, including striker Jeje Lalpekhlua, is a huge cause for concern.
So, what next for Chennaiyin after surrendering its title at the halfway stage? All is not over for the defending champion; its exploits last season earned it a place in the AFC Cup, Asia’s continental club competition, and there should be enough motivation to get some wins under its belt and improve the morale.
“The AFC Cup becomes the focus if ISL goes out. By the end of this month, we will have a really good idea of whether our play-off hopes are completely over. It is a huge ask for us to catch-up. You’re praying for a miracle here,” added Gregory. Between now and early next year when the AFC Cup kicks off, Gregory will have time to utilise the winter break in the ISL and the January transfer window to plug the holes.