Chennaiyin FC’s away game against NorthEast United FC would be Marco Materazzi’s third clash against the Highlanders in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) history. The Lecce native’s men would be entering this tie with a no-win record against the hosts. In the pre-match press conference, head coach Materazzi spoke about going up against the newer version of the Guwahati-based team.“We didn't win [against NorthEast United] because we were facing a great team. But there's always a first chance in life.” On being asked whether the goal difference will affect their mojo, Materazzi said, “On one side, it'll be a game that NEUFC has to win, because if not, then they'll struggle to be in the play-offs. On the other side, Chennai has to keep on winning and that's what we want to do. We know that we'll have a good cheer, the fans will be behind their team [on Tuesday] but what I expect from the players is determination and maturity and [to] keep on going like we did in the last two matches.”With a smile lighting up his face, the Italian talked about the importance of defence as much as the attack squad. “I ask my players to be focused and compact. They are smart players, and when a team scores, it's not just the goal scorer, it's everyone - 11 players and those on the bench as well. Everyone has to take their responsibilities and they did it in the last two matches.”Meanwhile, as the team missed Jeje Lalpekhlua’s services, Jayesh Rane filled in for the Mizoramese sniper and ended up doing a pretty good job. Speaking about Rane’s position in the aftermath of Jeje’s return, the former Italy international said, “I have the responsibility to pick the best XI for the club. We all saw what Jayesh did in the games. He has shown us that he's grown up a lot since last year but I still have great consideration for Jeje. My responsibility is to work for the good of the club so [that] every player will be fighting for his place in the first XI.”The next question went to midfielder Harmanjot Khabra who was also present at the media interaction. What was the mood in the dressing room like after losing their first two matches? Khabra said, “I think nobody expected that we’ll lose in the very beginning. The players in the team are mature and we also have players from all around the world who are of world-class quality. We had a discussion amongst ourselves. Before our match against Goa, the boss asked to fight for a win and we did that. He also told us to go for every 50-50 chance that would come our way.”And when asked about the team’s dependency on in-form striker Stiven Mendoza, Materazzi’s analysis soon ended up including a ‘Neymar’ in his squad. “No. As we saw last year, Elano scored eight goals, Balwant [Singh] had good chances against Delhi, and as we saw Neymar hit the crossbar. So it doesn't matter who scores.”After hearing a few murmurs in the crowd, Materazzi came back with, “It’s Jayesh, I call Jayesh ‘Neymar’!” Amidst the laughter, Materazzi went on to say, “Because his hairstyle is like Neymar!!!”
