Chennaiyin FC striker Jordan Murray believes the quality of head coaches coming to the Indian Super League (ISL) and the level of professionalism within clubs is a reflection of the league’s progress.

Australian striker Jordan Murray has been part of the ISL since 2020. He represented Kerala Blasters FC during the ISL 2020-21 season and moved to Jamshedpur FC the following season, winning the League Shield there under current Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle.

Murray has returned to Indian football again after playing for Thai club Nakhon Ratchasima during the 2022-23 season. He will don the colours of Chennaiyin FC for the upcoming season, reuniting with former Jamshedpur FC head coach Coyle.

“I think the biggest sign of progress is in the coaches who are coming in but also the reputation, the culture,” Murray stated in an interview with Sportskeeda, when asked about the changes he has noticed since he arrived in India.

“The league is progressing, (performances) in the AFC Champions League, the money that's being put into the clubs - they're making players feel like they're a professional.”

Murray has played 36 across two ISL seasons scoring 11 goals. The 27-year-old forward plied his trade for clubs in Australia before his move to Kerala Blasters FC. Murray revealed that he has been impressed by the talent of Indian players, labelling them as “top class”.

"In many countries, it can be rather difficult, but it's the progression that I love. The young Indian players are starting to show themselves, like (Lallianzuala) Chhangte for example - he has been stellar for Mumbai City FC. And you have other players like Ishan (Pandita), Rahim Ali, Farukh (Chaudhary) from Chennaiyin FC," he said.

"Some of these players are top-class. They can help me become a better player as well, and I want to be a part of their progression. So, to be back in the ISL and see it progressing, I couldn't be more happy for Indian football in general," he further said.

Chennaiyin FC have brought in a new set of foreign players for the upcoming season. Besides Murray, the two-time ISL champions have made some exciting additions to their midfield by signing former Premier League player Cristian Battocchio besides recalling Rafael Crivellaro. Murray is excited to share the pitch with the duo and hopes of striking a good partnership with them.

“Obviously Rafa, being with him at Chennaiyin FC is obviously really good, I'm extremely excited to play with him,” he revealed.

"But also a Chennaiyin FC player, I'm really excited to see and see play is Cristian, our new signing. He's been training with us and has been fantastic. I'm looking to build a relationship with him and see what he can do. I'm sure good things will happen with him this season," Murray signed off.