Redemption time for Chennaiyin and Odisha in crucial ISL clash

Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC aim for redemption in high-scoring ISL fixture, focusing on defensive improvements.

Chennaiyin FC and Odisha FC share a common goal for Thursday’s Indian Super League fixture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here — redemption from the 2-4 losses in their previous outings.

Chennaiyin’s defeat to Bengaluru FC and Odisha’s failure against FC Goa had quite a few similarities as well. Both teams conceded an own goal each and also had defensive lapses, resulting in the opponent gaining an advantage.

Main objective

Head coaches Owen Coyle and Sergio Lobera’s main objective will be to shore up this vulnerability.

“Ultimately, when the players cross that white line, they have the responsibility to make sure they’re not making errors. So, it’s a very simple scenario: focus, concentrate and stop giving up soft goals,” Coyle said on Wednesday.

“When we lose a game like the last one, it’s painful,” Lobera echoed the same sentiment.

After 14 games each, Odisha stands seventh with 20 points while Chennaiyin is in the 10th spot with 15 points.