The defending Hero Indian Super League (ISL) champions, Chennaiyin FC will be on the lookout for their first victory of the 2018-19 season when they take on familiar foes FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. The Marina Machans endured a 1-0 loss to Bengaluru during their opening fixture and hence will go all guns blazing in search of all three points. At the pre-match press conference, head coach John Gregory was present to address the media.

Chennaiyin weren’t awarded the easiest of fixtures heading into the season, having to play Bengaluru and now, Goa. Gregory admitted that it wasn’t the ideal situation for his team but remained hopeful of achieving a positive result. “We don’t get a choice. We play whoever we come up against. Bengaluru and Goa were two of the best teams last season. They were good teams and I enjoyed watching them last season. They play good football in a very enjoyable style. They are two teams I expect to be involved in the playoffs. So, it is a tough start. I’m hoping we get three points tomorrow.”

When asked about the team’s game plan to stifle the likes of Ferran Corominas, who scored a brace in the Gaur’s previous match, the Englishman reaffirmed his confidence in his defenders to perform their job. “You have to limit the chances you give away. Last week, we were still only 1-0 down until the end. This happens all the time. Defensively, we will always miss someone like (Henrique) Sereno, but we have to deal with it. He’s not here anymore. His replacement, Eli Sabia, had a really good game last time out. I don’t have any worries about that. Goa, if they get half a chance, they are always likely to score. We have to be very aware of him (Corominas) and need to be switched on defensively. “

Club captain Mailson Alves came off in the second half against Bengaluru, as Chennaiyin went in search of the equaliser. However, Gregory confirmed that the decision was purely tactical and that the towering defender would start on Saturday. “Mailson was thoroughly professional when we took him off because we have this five-foreigner rule. If you need a goal, it is a good idea to take off a defender and put on a striker. His attitude is great. He’ll start tomorrow. “

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