Mikael Silvestre, Vivek Nagul and Eric Djemba Djemba (L to R).Atlético de Kolkata and Chennaiyin FC faced off for the second time in 11 days, with the prize on offer from the game in Kolkata the same as it was on November 4: top spot in the Hero Indian Super League standings. In a testament to how evenly matched the two teams are, the sides, who are level on points (13 each), played out another closely-fought draw, leaving Chennaiyin in second place on goal difference.Although Chennaiyin, the highest-scoring side in the league so far, were held scoreless for the first time, they also kept their first clean sheet, as their defence held firm in a tough away game against a strong Kolkata attack. To emphasise the point, assistant coach Vivek Nagul was flanked by defender Mikaël Silvestre and defensive midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba – who also had a short spell playing in central defence during the match – at the post-match press conference.Nagul acknowledged that his team were not at their best on the night, but stated that this was even more reason to praise the effort in forcing a draw nonetheless. “We didn’t reach our best level, but we showed good character to earn one point,” the assistant coach said.It was pointed out to Nagul that a draw is a good result, especially in an away game against the league leaders. He agreed, but would not go as far as saying he was happy with a point. “Wherever we play, we play for three points,” emphasised Nagul. “We got a draw here. We are not happy, but we’re satisfied.”Silvestre echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing that his team’s performance showed the resilience in the side. Given that player-coach Marco Materazzi was substituted off in the second half, as was Silvestre himself, the French defender was doubly impressed by the way the players held out against Kolkata’s strike force.“It wasn’t easy for us when Marco went out. Today we showed that even when some players are injured, others can step up,” Silvestre asserted.With Chennaiyin second after eight games and continuing to showcase themselves as one of the strongest sides in the league, talk turned to the team’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. Djemba-Djemba was certain that his side’s display today would serve them well in their push to finish in the top four and make it to the semi-finals.“If we show this attitude for the upcoming games, we will reach the semis,” the former Manchester United man said. The Cameroon international added that he would love to have a rematch against Kolkata and see if either side could finally come out on top after their two draws. "Atlético is a very good team. I hope to see them again in the semi finals,” enthused Djemba-Djemba.Nagul was asked whether there was a specific points target that the Chennaiyin think-tank had determined would be a safe threshold for making it through to the semi-finals, and he was happy to oblige with an answer. “We believe that a couple of wins will be good. Around two more wins should do it for us,” Nagul explained. “20 points is our target. It would be good to make it to the semis!”
