Coming into the 2018-19 season of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) as defending champions, the onus will be on Chennaiyin FC to come out all guns blazing. After their heroics from last season, the two-time champions will seek to be the first team to successfully defend their crown in the league. The Marina Machans have done well to keep hold of some of their senior players, while also bringing some fresh blood into the squad.

Here we highlight some of the key aspects of the side ahead of the new campaign.

TRANSFER INS AND OUTS

Chennaiyin have not made too many changes to their squad during the summer transfer window. Veteran defender Inigo Calderon extended his stay with the club, while former captain Henrique Sereno and Rene Mihelic have departed the club. Midfielder Andrea Orlandi has been brought in as a replacement for Mihelic, while Palestine forward Carlos Salom joins the club on a one-year loan deal.

Among the Indian contingent, young goalkeepers Sanjiban Ghosh and Nikhil Bernad were signed by the club in addition to the Mizo trio of Isaac Vanmalsawma, Zohmingliana Ralte and Laldinliana Renthlei, which adds a touch of young blood to the seasoned side.

AT THE HELM

Englishman John Gregory will return to India for his second season in the Hero ISL. The 64-year-old enjoyed a dream debut season with Chennaiyin, transforming his players into serial winners. Under his stewardship, Chennaiyin employed an attacking approach with reliable defenders to hold their fort.

Owing to his exemplary season in the league, Gregory was awarded the Hero ISL Coach of the Year by the Association of Indian Football Coaches (AIFC) and was also recognized by the League Managers’ Association (LMA).

Despite the success of last season, the Englishman will be aiming for greater heights when his team take to the pitch for the new season. His troops have completed their pre-season preparation in Malaysia and will now continue their preparations for the new campaign in Goa.

STRENGTHS

The overarching theme of Chennaiyin’s title triumph last season was the presence of experienced winners in the squad. The likes of Inigo Calderon, Mailson Alves, Raphael Augusto and Jeje Lalpekhlua were big game players who turned up when it mattered the most.

The retention of most of their senior players means that Chennaiyin will once again be in a position to challenge for the title. A perfect mix of youth and experience along with an accomplished manager at the helm will put them a step above their competitors during the latter stages of the season.

AREAS OF CONCERN

The departure of captain Henrique Sereno and Rene Mihelic can be a cause of worry for the defending champions. Sereno was a commanding presence at the back, who employed a no-nonsense style of defending and exemplary leadership. His absence in the center of defence will be a hard pill for Chennaiyin to swallow.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Karanjit Singh, Sanjiban Ghosh, Nikhil Charles Bernad

Defenders: Tondonba Singh, Eli Sabia Filho, Inigo Calderon, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Zohmingliana Ralte, Laldinliana Renthlei, Mailson Alves, Hendry Antonay

Midfielders: Gregory Nelson, Andrea Orlandi, Khangenbam Thoi Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Pandiyan Sinivasan, Dhanapal Ganesh, Raphael Augusto, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Germanpreet Singh, Francisco Fernandes, Bedashwor Singh

Forward: Carlos Antonio Salom, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Mohammed Rafi

FINAL VERDICT

While the champions might take some time to settle without their former captain, they have got what it takes to run things around quickly and successfully defend their crown. The Marina Machans kick-start their 2018-19 Hero ISL campaign with a mouth-watering tie against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on September 30.

To view their full list of fixtures for the season, click here.

Related tags:

Chennaiyin FC 2018-2019