Sipovic’s genuinEnes makes him special

Bringing music to their ears, Bosnian centre-back Sipovic said that he has complete faith in his teammates as Csaba Laszlo and his boys seek a turnaround following the recent slump. Ahead of Chennaiyin’s clash against Odisha FC (OFC) at the GMC Stadium on Sunday, the colossal defender spoke to DT Next about the club’s current form, coming matches and dressing room atmosphere.

Chennaiyin FC has had an up and down campaign in ISL Season 7. Are you confident that the club will get back on track?

We did not have a proper pre-season. When you bring in new players and a new coach to a club, it is normal to have fluctuating form. If you win one game in ISL, you get closer to the top-4. Now imagine what two or three successive victories would do. So, I believe hundred per cent in our team. There are a lot of points left to fight for.

CFC’s next couple of fixtures are against Odisha FC on January 10 and 13. With matches coming up in quick succession, how important is it to set the tone for the second half of the season on Sunday?

We have some pretty difficult games. We will meet Odisha twice in four days. All matches are important and we need to approach them the same way. But, the upcoming game against OFC will not decide anything. There are still many points on offer.

Following the painful defeat against Hyderabad FC on Monday, how is the mood in the Chennaiyin camp?

There is always a positive atmosphere in our club. There is no place for negativity. One bad game cannot annul all the good work we have done. Football is beautiful because we have the chance to show that the last match was just a bad day at the office.

Excluding the previous match against HFC, CFC has looked solid defensively. How has your partnership with Eli Sabia been at the heart of the backline?

It is not only about Eli and me but also the entire team. We work hard on the field and try to guide our teammates with the experience we have. It is not easy to play with someone who you have known for just two or three months. Adaptation requires time.

A message to the Chennaiyin faithful, who are passionately following the club from different parts of the country

Irrespective of the results, support your team and be proud of it. Players will come and go, but Chennaiyin will remain. Dima Zarka Ou Bayta [meaning ‘Always blue and white’ in Arabic]. See you soon in Chennai!