Chennaiyin FC coach Bozidar Bandovic believes his side has developed the right winning mentality as they face Kerala Blasters FC in match 38 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021–22 at Tilak Maidan Stadium, Vasco da Gama on Wednesday.

Chennaiyin FC sit in the fourth position in the league table with 11 points in six matches. The club is level on points with Hyderabad FC, only separated by goal difference. They have 3 wins, 2 draws and one loss so far.

Chennaiyin FC defeated Odisha FC 2-1 in their last game. They had 13 shots out of which seven were on target. Germanpreet Singh and Mirlan Murzaev were the goal scorers.

Ahead of Chennaiyin FC’s match against Kerala Blasters FC, coach Bandovic addressed the media during the official pre-match press conference.

Here are the excerpts from the press conference.

What are your thoughts on the match against Kerala Blasters FC?

As you can see all the games are very tough. Everyone can win any game. So, we need to look at yourselves. They have their style of play and are coming back off a good win. We will be ready.

Kerala Blasters FC defeated table leaders Mumbai City FC 3-0 so will we see a defensive Chennaiyin FC tomorrow?

I always say, we need to have balance. We will study our opponents and see which areas can be advantageous to us. Like all other teams, they have strong individuals who we need to take care of. We did well in most of the games. We showed good character on the field. Given the time we have had, I think we are doing well.

Do you think it will be more of a psychological battle tomorrow?

It will be all, tactically, mentally, and physically. But my players are ready. They have the right mentality. We don’t give up. The winning mentality is there.

Do you think your attacking plan is coming together now?

For me, keeping the ball and not creating chances doesn’t pose any danger to the opposition. In the past matches we have been creating a lot of chances. The most important thing is creating chances because you will eventually score goals.

What will Joby Justin need to do to feature regularly in the lineup?

He didn’t play for a long time. He pushed and worked hard. I had let him go for personal reasons and then when he came back he was in quarantine. I have given him some points. But since he was out for a while, he has to be patient.

How important is Slavko Damjanovic for the team?

It’s an important team role. He is playing very well. I always say we don’t depend on one player and will not depend on any player. But the way teams play helps him and the other players to play better.