Gregory lauds Goa goalkeeper Kattimani

Commenting on if Chennai was pleased with the result, Gregory stated: “When I look at the scoring opportunities we had, we could’ve done better and got a 3-0 advantage. 

To be fair, we had clear opportunities, where we were one-on-one with the goalkeeper (Laxmikant) Kattimani, and to be fair to him, he did a fantastic job. He made some very good saves and I think his team should thank him for making those kinds of saves because that’s what  kept the tie alive.” 

He continued: “He almost kept a clean sheet till the end. We managed to get a goal but up until then, he performed very well. I am very disappointed in many respects. I have to talk to some of my players just to get their chins off their chests. 

Disappointed with the chances we had, which we didn’t take. But at the end of the match, I was very happy to come away with a 1-1 draw. I think it’s six matches now that we are unbeaten and as you saw, my players keep on going no matter what happens.” 

When asked about the physicality in the contest, the 63-year-old said: “I think we finished strongly. The substitutions we made also certainly helped. 

One or two (players) started to tire and we managed to get two sets of fresh legs on. It’s a team game for us. We do not have any stars or individuals and we play collectively together. There is something when you’re playing continuously over a short period of time. We went through a period where we played five games in 17 days, which was a huge task for us. But I rested a lot of players in our last game, giving young players a chance.” 

As far as his forwards were concerned, Gregory said: “We are not as creative as Goa, it’s as simple as that. Our players work in a good system, where they all complement each other and work very hard for each other. And we get the best out of every player, in whatever position they play. 

Obviously, Goa is a passing team. They pass from the goalkeeper to right across the back four and are very comfortable in possession. We, on the other hand, are rebuilding.”