Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle wants his team to excel in all areas of the pitch as they prepare to face Bengaluru FC in Matchweek 10 of the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday.

The Marina Machans currently hold the eighth position in the table with nine points from nine games. They have won two games, drawn three, and lost four times this season. Despite delivering commendable performances, they have only secured three points from their last four matches. While being one of the top-scoring teams in the league with 13 goals, they have also conceded 18 goals, the highest number in the league this season.

Coyle acknowledged his team’s strengths however he also understands his team’s issues and wants his team to perform better in the defensive third of the pitch.

“We have done some really good performances. We should have picked up more points in those last three games. In essence, what we are trying to do is really good. The performance level was very high, so we just need to fine-tune a little bit. We want to nullify the goals that we are giving away,” Coyle stated in the pre-match press conference.

“We are doing a lot of nice things but what we have to do is bring it all together,” he added.

Bengaluru FC currently occupies the ninth position in the table with seven points from nine games. They have experienced four losses, four draws, and secured only one win so far this season.

Coyle acknowledges that the Blues boast a strong unit both domestically and internationally. However, he anticipates that the challenging nature of the game will add to its excitement.

“When you look at Bengaluru FC's team, there are five or six current Indian national team players in the team. They will be dangerous opponents,” Coyle said.

“It will be an exciting game. It is important that we continue to take the steps to reach the playoffs,” he added.

Coyle also provided information about injuries, stating that Akash Sangwan and Rahim Ali will not be part of the team against Bengaluru FC.

Brazilian attacking midfielder Rafael Crivellaro has been regaining his best form this season, contributing with an assist in Chennaiyin FC's previous game against Jamshedpur FC.

While expressing satisfaction with Crivellaro's performance so far this season, Coyle believes that the Brazilian still has a lot to offer in the upcoming matches.

“Rafael Crivellaro is getting back to his best again this season. I still believe there is much more to come from him,” Coyle said.

Happy with my performance so far: Rafael Crivellaro

Brazilian attacking midfielder Rafael Crivellaro joined head coach Owen Coyle in the pre-match press conference. He has bagged five assists so far this season and scored two goals.

Crivellaro expressed satisfaction with his return to form and wants to continue improving further in the remaining matches of the season.

“I am very happy with my performance so far. I think that I am getting better in every match,” Crivellaro said.

The playmaker believes that the teamwork at Chennaiyin FC can transform them into the best team in the league, as they aim to qualify for the playoffs.

“If the team performs well together we have the characteristics to become the best in the league,” Crivellaro said.

“We are working hard to reach the playoffs,” he added.

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