Chennaiyin FC got the better of hosts ATK FC in their Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday. Still in the hunt for a top-four spot, the Chennai-based club will be buoyed with the victory, having moved to fifth in the Hero ISL league table and within a point off the elusive fourth spot.

Speaking to the media at the post-match press conference, Chennaiyin head coach Owen Coyle shared his views on the fantastic win, “We actually made it difficult on us by not scoring more goals because we had so many chances. I watched ATK’s last performance, which was their best performance this season. So, we knew that we had to be able to bring our best game tonight. The first half was an enjoyable performance because the necessity was for the three points and that is what we were pushing for.”

Not only did he laud the efforts of his own players but was appreciative of the opponents as well, especially ATK’s Prabir Das. “Prabir Das is an outstanding player. He is at the heart of many of ATK’s moves. When you have some wonderful attacking players, his crosses come in handy. But because we were so good in possession, we were able to dominate the game,” he said.

Chennaiyin’s next match against Mumbai City FC will be extremely crucial and can confirm their top-four status. So when asked about that encounter, the Irishman exuded confidence in his team, especially in the Indian midfielders. “Against Mumbai also we won't change. We won’t go looking for a draw. I know Mumbai have to win, and for me, we have to win, and that’s how we will approach the game. I have loved working with my Indian players. I believe in my players. I trust them and I believe in them. I know they are very good players. That is why I play two Indian midfielders because it allows me to deploy the foreigners ahead. My players are a joy to work with,” he concluded. 

Read the Match Report here.