Nearly three weeks after the Indian Super League kicked off, Chennaiyin FC held its first training session at its home ground, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, on Friday.
After the weather gods and pitch conditions had managed to scuttle the side’s plans, it finally practised ahead of its crucial game against table-topper Atletico de Kolkata on Tuesday.
“Kolkata is a very good side. Right now, it is top and hasn’t lost a single game. We are looking forward to it,” said midfielder Denson Devadas in a media interaction before the session.
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His side will be up against Kolkata’s marquee player Luis Garcia, who missed the last two games because of injury.
But Denson remained unfazed and was confident of maintaining the team’s perfect home record. “Even before, we have faced tough midfielders like Robert Pires. But we managed to stop them. We will try and do that in future also.”
The Mohun Bagan player also heaped praise on Elano and manager Marco Materazzi.
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“Elano is a magician. I told him ‘you are the best I have ever seen.’ Materazzi is a lion on the field. His instructions are to tackle and keep the goal line safe. Rest Elano, (John Stiven) Mendoza and Jeje Lalpekhlua will do.”
Goalkeeper Gennaro Bracigliano, after watching Shilton Paul excel in goal against Mumbai City FC in his absence, said that the Indian ’keepers have a lot of ability. “They work hard and want to progress. This aspect is very important.”
The French ’keeper also added that it was very good to have defenders like Bernard Mendy and Mikael Silvestre, as they speak French and thereby communicate better.
Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC clarified that Swedish central midfielder Pierre Tillman, who following his contract termination had sent a legal notice to the club, will continue to be with the team.
Though ineligible to play, he will train with the club this season.