Both managers at the ‘South Indian derby’ between Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters FC are in the unorthodox role of being player-manager for their respective sides. While his opposite number David James has been on the pitch for both of Kerala’s games, Chennaiyin manager Marco Materazzi has been happy to lead his team to two successive wins from the sidelines.The Hero Indian Super League (ISL) is Materazzi’s first-ever stint as a manager, and the Italian has been given a perfect start by his team. His side were the first side to win an away game in the ISL, beating FC Goa 2-1 last week, and Materazzi was quick to point out the valuable momentum gained from that victory which carried on to tonight’s win over Kerala.“The first game away worked for us, for the group – for everybody,” Materazzi explained during the post-match press conference after tonight’s 2-1 derby victory.The derby against Kerala was Chennaiyin’s first home game, and Materazzi was quick to credit the Chennai fans, who have become famous for their raucous support for local sports, for spurring his team on to victory.“I think they did a lot for us,” the Italian World Cup-winner said. He went onto add that the fans brought out the best in his players. “We did a lot for them, too, on the pitch. We put in our heart in the second half."Materazzi has already begun showing his tactical acumen as manager. Forced into an early change when wingback Abhishek Das went off with an injury, Materazzi brought in Dhanachandra Singh as a replacement and switched his initial formation of three at the back to accommodate the Manipuri left-back.“We need a change in strategy because we played Abhishek in the pitch,” the Italian elaborated. “We played 3-4-1-2 and when Abhishek came out we had to change that but the boys played well."In a closely-fought game with chances for both sides, it took a stunning goal from defender Bernard Mendy to bag the points for Chennai, and his manager was duly impressed with the Frenchman’s bicycle kick goal.“In India, or anywhere in the world, it was a fantastic goal!” Materazzi exclaimed.His marquee player, Elano, had another solid outing in midfield, with the Brazilian’s playmaking from an attacking midfield position catching the eye. His renowned prowess from set pieces again came to the fore, following on from his superb free kick in Chennai’s win over Goa. Tonight, Elano faced off against David James from the penalty spot, and coolly struck a penalty past the English keeper to give his side an early lead.Elano was modest about his performance after the match, focusing on the collective of the team rather than his own individual performance.“In my capacity I did what I had to for the team, to win the game for the team and the team won,” Elano stated.With Materazzi at the helm and Elano pulling the strings on the pitch, Chennaiyin FC fans can look forward to continued success after two wins on the trot.
