Chennaiyin FC maintained their place in the top 4 of the 2016 Hero Indian Super League after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday evening. Following the draw in front of over 23,000 home fans, Chennaiyin head coach Marco Materazzi was full of praise for his players’ combative nature on the pitch. “The positive thing is that we were fighting for every ball. However, now the toughest part is I have to play the best 11 in the next game. It’s obvious that I can put the same team as nobody can be taken out, as it has been a really physical game, so now the toughest part is to put out the best 11 for the next game,” Materzzi told the media after the match.The Super Machans started the game with Dudu and Davide Succi spearheading their attack. However, the reigning champions resorted to long balls to keep the Blasters’ defence busy as the game developed. Materazzi was quick to point out that Chennai playing long balls was more due to Kerala’s style of play and not something that was discussed before the match. “It actually just happened during the game because they play the English style and we wanted to exploit the long balls. What I have to say is that maybe we could have exploited better in the last 20 minutes with Maurizio Peluso but I have no complaints about my team as every derby is a tough game from the very start to the end. I just want to congratulate both the teams and also the fans because I think they had fun,” he said.Chennai’s midfield general Hans Mulder had to come off in the 34th minute after picking up an injury. When asked for an update on the Dutchman’s condition and how his substitution impacted the game, Materazzi said: “Well, losing Hans Mulder actually changed the whole game. We had to change our way. But what matters right now is this one point. Now we have nine points after six games, whereas most of the teams have already played seven games. All I can say is hope Hans Mulder is fit for the next game as he is a crucial player for us. You will never hear me complaining about my team if they play like this because they have been fighting. It has been a really tough game from the first to the last minute. For now I am happy with this one point.”Chennaiyin FC are now in action on November 2 when they entertain Mumbai City FC in Chennai.
