Mumbai City test awaits Laszlo’s Chennaiyin

Chennaiyin is enduring a mini goal drought, having failed to ripple the net against Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) and Bengaluru FC (BFC) in its previous two fixtures. However, CFC head coach Csaba Laszlo, whose boys have picked up four points from three matches, threw his weight behind the club’s attackers on the eve of the clash. 

“We will try to unlock the Mumbai City defence. We are capable of scoring goals. We know how strong MCFC is. But at the same time, we are not weak. We have showed that we can play good football. This is a new match and I am confident that my team will score goals,” Laszlo said at a virtual press conference. 

Chennaiyin will be up against an all-round and free-flowing unit in Mumbai City, which has scored six goals and conceded just one. Under new boss Sergio Lobera, MCFC has earned nine points from four outings and sits comfortably at the top of the standings. Bracing for a tight contest, Laszlo asserted that CFC has the potential to defeat any ISL team on a given day. 

“We have to stay compact and help each other. If we play to our strengths, we can beat Mumbai City. It is not always that the best-rated team wins the game. You not only need a little bit of luck but also a plan and structure.” Chennaiyin gaffer Laszlo also gave an injury update on midfield engine Anirudh Thapa, who hobbled off the field in the first half against BFC last Friday. 

“We are discussing with the medical team to make a good progress. We will decide on the matchday on whether Thapa can play a part in the game. It looks positive,” revealed the head coach. Laszlo’s counterpart Lobera emphasised that squad rotation would be key as matches come in quick succession. MCFC had only two days to prepare for the Chennaiyin challenge after its 2-0 thumping of Odisha FC (OFC) last Sunday. 

“When you have a good squad, you can use different players. But, we need to adapt to the current situation. Throughout the season, we will have only short spaces between games. We need to work on it, but I am very happy with the fitness condition of my team,” said Lobera, an attack-minded manager. 

TUESDAY’S RESULT: Bengaluru FC 2 (Juanan 13’, Udanta Singh 70’) drew with NorthEast United FC 2 (Luis Machado 4’ and 78’)