Chennaiyin FC edged past Mohun Bagan SG by a 3-2 scoreline in an Indian Super League (ISL) affair in Kolkata that has provided a significant boost for the Marina Machans' playoff qualification hopes.

Jordan Murray, Ryan Edwards, and Irfan Yadwad were on target as Owen Coyle's men displayed a solid second-half performance to see off the hosts. Chennaiyin FC showcased a brilliant fightback in the final phase of the game, showing their strong mentality and composure to put an end to Mohun Bagan SG's eight-match unbeaten streak.

Following their victory against the Mariners, Aussie forward Jordan Murray opened up to indiansuperleague.com, where he spoke about his goal, their target ahead of the final three league matches, his impression of young forward Irfan Yadwad, and more.

“Very happy with the win. I think it was deserved today through hard work,” he said.

“I thought we were a lot better in the second half and clinical as well, but I'm just happy for the team. I think we really worked hard, and I think we need to look forward to the next game, show a bit of consistency, and push for the playoffs,” he added.

The Australian has scored five goals and provided two assists for Chennaiyin FC, which also includes his winning goal against Odisha FC a couple of weeks ago. Murray also scored the opener for his side, which initiated their comeback in this game. However, the forward also acknowledged that scoring a goal would help him boost his confidence going into the forthcoming matches.

“Definitely, any goal for a striker gives confidence, so hopefully I can stay on a good run, but also for young Ifran (Yadwad), who came on and scored as well. I'm very delighted for him and obviously for Ryan (Edwards), but the main thing for us is that anyone else can score,” he explained.

“It's a team game, so we're just looking forward to the next game, and hopefully, everyone can contribute to really good consistency for the playoffs,” he added.

'Now it’s up to us; it's in our hands'

 

Following their victory against Mohun Bagan SG, Owen Coyle’s men have emerged as one of the top contenders for the final playoff spot. Murray and his team will now play two back-to-back home games against Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC, where they will target to bag the maximum number of points.

“Yeah, we've been really strong at home this season, and I think that it's shown on our record this season,” he said.

“As I said before, as long as we stick together, we'll have our home fans as well, and everyone knows Chennaiyin FC home fans are incredible, so it'll be really good to play in front of them, and as I said, it's now up to us; it's in our hands, and hopefully we can make a really good push,” he added.

“I think this performance will give us a lot of confidence, and I hope that we can work as a team, play as a team, and push for the finals,” he commented.

“We're in a good position now, but for us, it's just to show consistency throughout the games. So, every game from now on is going to be the hardest for us, so we've just got to play together, stick together, and hopefully we can get the win,” he continued.

Also Read: Debjit Majumder interview: I have nothing more to prove 

Murray also heaped praise on midfielder Crivellaro who provided the assist for Williams' goal.

“Yes, very good. We call him 'master’ in the club.”

“So for me, to learn from him and to have some of the balls that he gives me and the chances he provides has been incredible. Everyone knows it in the league, and you've seen it again tonight with an assist. He's class,” he carried on.

'We will all see Irfan Yadwad in the national team one day' 

 

Murray was full of praise for their young forward, Irfan Yadwad, and is delighted with the quality and potential he possesses. 

“I'm very happy for (Ifran) Yadwad. He's been pushing and pushing. He got his chance tonight, and he nailed it. So, I'm very excited for him, and there's more to come from him,” he praised.

“I think, in Indian football, once his opportunity arises, he just needs to take it. He needs to keep learning, keep pushing, and keep fighting. And I'm sure we will all see him on the national team one day,” he continued.

Murray also shared his thoughts, explaining how Indian forwards could improve their game and become an integral part of their respective teams’s offensive lineups.

“From my personal point of view, I think, as an Indian striker, you need to believe in yourself. You might not have the chance because there are a lot of foreign strikers, but when you get a chance, you just need to show potential. You need to show belief in yourself,” he said.

“I think the Indian strikers have gone away from that a little bit. I think they just need to believe. I think there's some fantastic ability in Yadwad. And Vikram Partap Singh from Mumbai City FC. And you've got Manvir Singh as well, who could also play there. I think they just need to believe in themselves a lot more. Obviously, being clinical in front of the goal is the most important thing. Now they have the ability to work hard and stay back. I am sure they will step up one day,” he commented.

Chennaiyin FC had to come back from a goal down in Kolkata, place where they had only lost once before this season. Sharing what Owen Coyle instructed them during the half-time break, Murray revealed,

“Yeah, the head coach (Owen Coyle) just told us to believe in ourselves, told us to be clinical, and told us to stay focused at the back, and we did that exactly.”

“I think tonight the penalty was a bit of a soft one, but that's football. And I think against Mohun Bagan SG we showed when we stick together and we got the reward tonight,” he added.

'Debjit Majumder is our guardian at the back'

Veteran goalkeeper Debjit Majumder made 11 crucial saves for Chennaiyin FC in the match, which included his three back-to-back saves in the added minutes of the second half.

Praising their custodian for his significant contribution to the result, Murray said,

“It was very difficult, especially coming towards the end of the match, where there was a little bit of panic. We needed to stay composed. I think everyone knows Debjit here. Here is what he's capable of, and he's outstanding.”

“He's pushing the age, but I think tonight he showed his quality, and I know that he wants a few more years to play. So again, he's our guardian at the back, and hopefully, he can continue his good range of form,” he signed off.

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