Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle is seeking to capitalize on their momentum as they gear up to face Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.

The Marina Machans are coming off an impressive performance against Odisha FC, putting an end to the latter's four-month unbeaten run in the ISL. This victory signals promise for Chennaiyin FC, currently standing 11th on the league table with 18 points from 17 games, having won five matches this season.

On the other hand, Hyderabad FC are showing newfound form with their young squad, as evidenced by their exciting draw against NorthEast United FC. Despite their improved performances, they are placed 12th on the league table with only five points, yet to secure a win this season. In their previous encounter, Chennaiyin FC emerged victorious with a one-goal margin.

The press conference commenced with head coach Owen Coyle providing his analysis of his team's performance thus far.

"We have been very consistent in the last four games. We beat Kerala Blasters FC and could have easily beaten Mumbai City FC. Although we lost to East Bengal FC, we were better and created chances. The game against Odisha FC was fantastic. We have been playing well; I have said this before. The nature of the ISL is that it's a competitive league," he said during the pre-match press conference. 

The Scottish coach shared his thoughts on the upcoming match against Hyderabad FC and their head coach, Thangboi Singto, as they prepare for a crucial clash at the bottom of the table.

"We have an opportunity tomorrow to leapfrog NorthEast United FC. Tomorrow marks the most dangerous game of the season. This young Hyderabad FC team is full of spirit and fitness, and they play with remarkable freedom. I give a lot of credit to Thangboi Singto; he is a truly fantastic football coach, an understanding human being, and a genuinely nice man. The game will be challenging, but what we know is that when we are at our very best, we can stand toe to toe with anybody. They have some good players; their front four display terrific talent. We are eagerly anticipating the game, knowing that we are back at home," the coach said.

The 57-year-old coach revealed his approach for the remaining games, discussed the team's long-term plan, and hinted at a new project that he intends to implement for Chennaiyin FC.

He said, "You know how we play, we play to win every game and that's why we are probably the best. It's because of what we are building because you know what your building is all about when you have been doing it for a long time. You don't build teams to play nil-nil, I build teams to win games! But to do that, sometimes you gonna have to stuff up, and in the long term you wanna build a team with an intent of winning every game, and that's why we are suited for what's to come."

Happy to play in my natural position: Farukh Choudhary

The 27-year-old midfielder, Farukh Choudhary, joined head coach Owen Coyle during the pre-match press conference ahead of their match against Hyderabad FC.

Choudhary has had a solid season under Coyle, making 14 appearances and registering a goal and two assists. He has become a crucial part of the coach's attacking system.

During the conference, Choudhary shared his thoughts on his team's performance in the ISL this season and discussed areas for improvement, aiming to continue progressing towards their goals.

"As a team, we have been performing very well. I believe we are the team that creates the most number of chances, but the only crucial aspect we need to focus on is being more clinical in front of the goal," he said.

"As the coach said, in the past few games, everyone has performed very well, but it's those small errors that we need to address. Now, talking about the playoffs, I think we are in a very good position. With the game tomorrow, if we earn maximum points, we will be back in the race, climbing up the ladder and taking each game as it comes. The atmosphere in the team is really good, and the gaffer ensures that everyone is always positive. We are looking forward to the next few games and giving our all," Choudhary added.

The midfielder, who has mostly been played as a wide midfielder on the left flank, was asked to play as a No. 9 against Odisha FC by the Scottish tactician. Choudhary was quite impressive in the role, and he further discussed playing in the more advanced position in the previous game.

"To be honest, I started my career as a striker. As everyone knows, it's very difficult to play as an Indian striker in the ISL because coaches often place you out wide due to their preference for big foreign players in the No. 9 position. Fortunately, the coach has given me and others a chance, and it's evident that he trusts the Indian players. I am glad to play in that position, and I enjoy playing in all attacking roles because I feel that's where my strength lies – creating opportunities up front. I am currently happy as I get to play in my natural position, the one where I started my career." he commented.

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Hyderabad FCChennaiyin FC2023-2024 Farukh Choudhary