Following their recent test against East Bengal, the Marina Machans showed glimpses of their attacking style, especially in transitions and on the wings. However, they lamented missed chances. With another home game before a tough stretch of away matches, coach Clifford Rayes Miranda emphasised the need to improve decision-making in critical situations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about taking our chances. When we are in a good phase and creating opportunities, we need to convert them. That gives us more time on the ball, allows us to settle, and helps calm our nerves. Then we become more confident in possession. Sometimes anxiousness makes you lose focus, that\u2019s one part of it. But in the end, the three points are what matter the most,\u201d he told the media on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Anticipating the upcoming challenge from CFC\u2019s next opponents, SC Delhi, Miranda provided a thorough evaluation of the visitors, emphasising their youthful vigour and offensive approach.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThey are a young team, but one that plays with a lot of heart and has plenty of attacking players. They are eager to prove themselves. They also have a young and very dynamic coach who wants his team to play attractive football. Tomorrow will be a good contest between two teams that like to keep the ball on the ground,\u201d Miranda said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Miranda also highlighted the tactical difficulties presented by the visitors, especially in their formation and build-up strategies, with Chennaiyin ready to adapt their approach as needed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYes, they play with three at the back, which means you have to decide how to press them. We\u2019ll see how we approach that. They have a very clear way of playing: five in attack and five in defence. They build with three at the back and have two holding midfielders who sit and protect. That system gives them a certain dynamic. But like I said, they are a team that wants to play football and build from the back. They also have the option to go long when needed. So overall, they are a good team with a clear identity,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Forward Irfan Yadwad joined the head coach for the press conference. Last time playing through the centre, Irfan was a persistent threat to the East Bengal defence and netted his second goal of the season with a clever lob over the goalkeeper in the 28th minute.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYes, they play with three at the back, which means you have to decide how to press them. We\u2019ll see how we approach that. They have a very clear way of playing: five in attack and five in defence. They build with three at the back and have two holding midfielders who sit and protect. That system gives them a certain dynamic. But like I said, they are a team that wants to play football and build from the back. They also have the option to go long when needed. So overall, they are a good team with a clear identity,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Finally, Miranda provided an update on Elsinho, noting that he will miss the rest of the season due to an injury sustained in the last match. The head coach also confirmed that defender Laldinliana Renthlei is still uncertain for the SC Delhi game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n