Chennai City FC limping back to form

With the Southern Railway coach at the helm, Chennai City FC have won against Mumbai City FC and shared the spoils with Churchill Brothers. The 52-year-old said, “I was given very little time to mould the team. I saw the videos of previous matches and have adjusted the team according to my plan. I have nine ISL players, four foreign players and a bunch of good local players in my squad of which I can utilize the most.” 

In his heyday, Soundararajan played as a midfielder and has represented Tamil Nadu and Indian Railways. “My game plan for the previous two matches was to stop the opposition at midfield and not let them beyond that point. Edwin, Ganesh, Rejin and Ravanan have played well according to the strategy. The players seem to have more confidence and are giving their 100 per cent to the team,” the head coach said.

When Soundararajan took over the team from his predecessor Robin Charles Raja, they were languishing at the foot of the table and have now climbed in to the seventh in the 10-team league. “The quality of players in my squad is excellent and they are playing with a lot of class. The two previous encounters under my stewardship have given the players a good psychological boost as well,” the coach added. 

Now at the half way point in the league, the focus for Soundarajan’s boys is on Shillong Lajong FC. “There is a lot riding on Sunday’s match as it’s a crucial one for us. It is a must win game for the team. We have analysed the previous encounter and have made sure we don’t commit the same mistakes. Our injured players are also back and we will have a formidable side tomorrow. Win or lose, we will go all out against Lajong FC. We are also planning to debut S Nandhakumar in the midfield,” the 52-year-old added. 

As the objective of the management of Chennai City FC is to develop and give more opportunity to local players from Tamil Nadu in the team, the previous coach had to give way as the objective was not met. Soundararajan now is making sure the promising local players are under his wing. “The local players need more training and they definitely have to improve their fitness level. With time we can nurture their skill and mould them into fine players,” the coach added.