The Marina Machans began their campaign with a one-goal loss despite dominating possession and creating several promising attacking moves. Head coach Clifford Miranda, however, expressed satisfaction with the response from his squad in the lead-up to the clash.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe reaction from my players has been fantastic, even after conceding a goal, even after losing a game, in the dressing room and in training. For me, they are a perfect example of professionalism and character at this moment,\u201d Miranda told the media in his pre-match press conference on Sunday. \u201cI have no complaints. They are giving everything they have, despite difficult circumstances. It was a long season and a long lay-off from last year, which made things tough. But this group is giving absolutely everything, and their attitude is fantastic.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Miranda, who previously worked with Mohun Bagan, downplayed suggestions that his familiarity with the Kolkata outfit could offer an edge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThey are good players, now under a different coach. They play in a much more fluid way compared to when I was there, so there\u2019s no advantage as such. Football happens in the moment; you can\u2019t pause it, fix it, and restart. It\u2019s fluid. Apart from the fact that they are fantastic footballers and I\u2019ve worked with them before, there\u2019s no added advantage,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Joining Miranda at the press conference was Chennaiyin\u2019s new signing Mohammed Ali Bemammer, who made his debut in the season opener. The Moroccan midfielder acknowledged the challenges of pre-season preparations but remained optimistic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI am very happy to be here with the players and working with the coach. The situation was difficult; it was a long period of training and preparation. It wasn\u2019t easy. But now everything is fine. We are preparing for the match against Mohun Bagan. We know it will not be easy, but we will prepare very well,\u201d Bemammer said. \u201cWe know we are playing against a good team with top players. We have prepared very well for this match. We are here to help the team.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Miranda also elaborated on his tactical philosophy, stressing that systems are secondary to principles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt depends on our strength, on the opponent, and on the characteristics of both teams. including the players I have at my disposal. Whether it\u2019s a 3-4-3, 4-2-3-1, or 4-3-3, for me it\u2019s about principles of play. That doesn\u2019t change. The system is just an extension of how we want to play.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Miranda also elaborated on his tactical philosophy, stressing that systems are secondary to principles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In 11 meetings across competitions, Mohun Bagan hold the edge with five wins to Chennaiyin\u2019s two, while four matches have ended in draws.<\/p>\r\n\r\n