"I want to continue the great work done by Marco in the first three years", says John Gregory
ISL
Chennaiyin FC coach John Gregory has asserted that he wants to continue "great work" that has been done by Marco Materazzi, who left the club after 3 successful years in the ISL. The former Aston Villa coach said that he is ready to shoulder the pressure of managing former Champions Chennaiyin FC.
Everyone is waiting for Chennaiyin FC to take the field in this edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). The former ISL champions were coached by Italian legend Marco Materazzi for three years and their game-plan – both on and off the field – was easy to understand.
“Marco is a legend in Chennai and delivered great consistency to this club. I want to continue the great work done by him in the first three years. In professional sport there is always pressure; as a professional you always want that pressure to be successful,” said Gregory.
Gregory started his coaching career at Portsmouth and had spells at Plymouth Argyle and Wycombe Wanderers before a four-year stint with Aston Villa in the English Premier League. It will be interesting to see how he shapes up this team. On the evidence of their pre-season training camp in Thailand, the team has looked in fine fettle and returned home after an encouraging 3-0 victory against Thai Premier League’s Bangkok United FC.
“We had a three-week pre-season camp in Thailand and played three matches. We are trying to give the best possible preparation to the squad and I am very impressed by the attitude and professionalism of this group of players. We are working hard and aim to make a good start on November 19,” said the coach.
On November 19, Chennaiyin FC will be up against FC Goa, a team they famously defeated to win the ISL title in 2015. Colombian striker
Unlike in the past, there are no star names. Like the coach explained, “the most important factor is the overall collective.” The collective works well for Chennaiyin FC.
“This club has a
One player who is already making heads turn is Henrique Soriano – a captain in the making. The former ATK man and Portugal international will have an influential role to play at Chennaiyin FC, while Brazilian midfielder Raphael Augusto and Spanish defender Inigo Calderon are other foreign players to look out for.
From among the India players, Jeje Lalpekhlua obviously remains the biggest star. The club also chose to retain goalkeeper Karanjit Singh, Jerry
“Every coach has his own style. I leave it to the media and fans to judge me and my style, but like Marco or any other coach I hate losing and love winning,” said Gregory.
No wonder everyone is waiting for Chennaiyin FC to take the field in this edition of ISL.
Chennaiyin FC's Squad:
Domestic players: Karanjit Singh, Bikramjit Singh, Inigo Calderon, Keenan Almeida, Sanjay Balmuchu, Shahin Lal Meloli, Thoi Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Pawan Kumar, Anirudh Thapa, Dhanpal Ganesh, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Mohammed Rafi,
International Players: Henrique Sereno, Gregory Nelson, Jaime Gavilan, Jude Nworuh, Rene Mihelic, Raphael Augusto, Mailson Alves, Fulganco Cardozo, Francisco Fernandes,
Reserve Players: Zonun Mawia, Lalliansanga Renthlei, Joseph, Bibin Boban & Bedashwor.
