Chennaiyin FC head coach Bozidar Bandovic is proud of the mental strength and character his side has shown so far in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) despite encountering a topsy turvy first-half of the season.

Ahead of their clash against FC Goa on Saturday at 9:30 pm, Bandovic stated that the Gaurs can pose a dangerous threat in the mid-field while urging his players to be defensively tight to counter the challenge.

Bandovic alongside Jerry Lalrinzuala spoke to the media before the match in the pre-match press conference.

Here are the excerpts from Bandovic's press conference:

With FC Goa posting strong midfielders, will the match be decided in a mid-field battle?

It could be. They have very good players in the mid-field. They want to move the ball and they are very dangerous when they have Edu Bedia and Alberto Noguera on the open ball as they have a very good last pass. They are dangerous upfront. We need to be defensively very good and tight. We need to be close to them and not all to play freely.  In attack, if we can keep the ball and create chances it might work very well.

How did it feel to win against Jamshedpur FC after two consecutive losses?

It gave us good confidence because after the two losses, the way we had played, we felt we deserved more. It is good for us but for me, it is very important that players show character, personality and show mental strength. This is what I am trying with them to improve on. To believe and keep going. This is why I am very happy and proud of them. I want us to be stable and keep improving while not giving up. They showed me something special and I’m very proud of them.

Do you think the playoff spot is getting far from reality?

We are a new team, we made a new start and new process. I am satisfied with the way things are going. There are still too many games to play and I believe we can go far. The only thing in focus now is tomorrow’s game and three points. We will go game by game and I want my players to concentrate to give everything for tomorrow’s game. We don’t look at the equation to qualify but the work, patience and discipline and what the team needs to do.

Here are the excerpts from the defender Jerry Lalrinzuala’s press conference:

You’ve had a good season so far, how much of a role has the coach played in it?

Lalrinzuala: We are playing in formation which is not a problem for me. This is very good for me.

How has your partnership with Reagan Singh been like as he is one of the experienced players in the squad?

Lalrinzuala: It has been going well. We aim for the win and think around that. Whatever match we play we give our 100% and we will try to perform with this consistency till the end of the season.

What is your overall experience in the defence of Chennaiyin FC?

Lalrinzuala: The communication is one of the main points in the defence. We will play this the whole season and give our best. In football, you will concede goals but after the game, our focus should be on how to improve and better ourselves.