“The city of Chennai will be proud of us,” said former French defender Mikael Silvestre at the formal introduction of the Chennaiyin FC squad for the inaugural Indian Super League season here on Saturday.
“It’s my first visit to the city. I am looking forward to starting the season. Football in India will grow and Chennai will be part of the revolution,” he added.
The squad, sans Brazilian marquee signing Elano Blumer and latest signing Colombian forward John Stiven Mendoza, arrived in the city on Saturday evening and was introduced by player-manager Marco Materazzi.
Chennai’s late entry into the league has meant that other sides have gained a head start in terms of preparation time and team bonding. But captain and midfield fulcrum Bojan Djordjic exuded confidence that they can still excel as a unit.
“We are here as a team,” he said. “We might not have the biggest of names. But best players don’t always make the best teams. Irrespective of the results we will be there for each other.”
Meanwhile the franchise is yet to zero-in on a practise facility.
It had earlier reached an understanding with Sri Ramachandra Medical College to use its ground but it has been learnt that is still on the look out for a better option.
A decision is expected to be made in the next couple of days.
Also the online ticket sales for the franchise’s first two home matches against Kerala Blasters on October 21 and Mumbai City FC on October 28 have commenced.
