Mumbai out to end Chennaiyin FC jinx

However, statistics and history is always set to be rewritten — like how Chennaiyin’s battles against FC Goa were always won by the visiting teams, including last season’s final, — yet the Blues broke the trend by winning at home this season.

Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi knows the superiority his team holds won’t stand any good always. “Every year everything changes and every ISL edition is different. What scares me actually is that this year everything changed to say that last year we lost our home games to Goa but this year we won. But against Mumbai we have won every time and that scares me. But, I am confident that my players are also confident and we will take it forward from tomorrow,” the Italian said. 

Probably the biggest name to grace Chennai on Wednesday would be Uruguayan footballer Diego Forlan and Materazzi would know the damage the Mumbai marquee can inflict if let loose. “You need a whole team to stop a player like that. One single player is not enough as if you make a mistake he will surely score a goal. I would say what gives us the motivation is that each and every player of my team know that it is an honour to play against a champion like Forlan. My players need to have positivity to show what they have to counter attack a champion like Forlan,” Materazzi added. 

Materazzi confirmed that Chennaiyin marquee John Arne Riise and midfielder Hans Mulder haven’t recovered completely from injuries. 

Mumbai City FC coach Alexandre Guimaraes said he was happy with his team creating chances to score. “Most of the times we scored one goal, we do not lose and got three points. We are doing good. We are creating chances and I think our games are good games for the people to go to the stadium to watch,” Guimaraes said. 

The Brazilian said his team has great respect for Chennaiyin. “I think CFC are playing well. Some of their key players are not in the squad for this edition. But Chennaiyin are fighting to be in the last four and that is what is all about. To get points from here in tomorrow’s game, we have to play very well,” Guimaraes added. 

Live Next Chennaiyin FC vs Mumbai City FC @ 7 pm on Star Sports 1, HD 1