Chennaiyin FC manager Thomas Brdaric claims that the Indian Super League was once a bit wild, but it is now one of the world’s most improved leagues.
The tactician also stated that having a longer season with a pre-season tournament will be beneficial to Indian football in the long run.
“We not only want to get good results as a team, but we also want to contribute to the growth of Indian football. I see a lot of potential for Indian football. Having a longer season is a way (of improving football in India).
We also need to work together. The clubs, the referees, and the federation, all should work in tandem. Of course, there are many wrong decisions. We all make wrong decisions. The main thing is to learn from them.”
The German, who took the reins at Chennaiyin in June, added:
“ISL is now a nice league. I spoke to people that were here before. They said that football was very wild here in India. Now, I am here.
I think it is still a little bit wild, but it is not far away from the level of more improved leagues. What is important is working together and trying to find solutions to everyday problems for developing Indian football.”
He also stated that he expects a high-scoring match when Chennaiyin meet the third-placed Odisha on Thursday at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. While the Marina Machans are coming off a convincing win over Jamshedpur FC, Odisha recently defeated East Bengal.
Odisha are in fine form this season under Josep Gombau, with four wins from six games. The offence has been strong, with the team scoring 10 goals, eight of which have come in the second half.
Brdaric, who is aware of Odisha’s ability to rally in the second half, stated that his team is ready for the challenge and anticipates an exciting game. Chennaiyin are currently seventh in the points table, with 10 points from six games. Three points against Odisha will put them in the top 4.
In terms of head-to-head matches, the two teams have met six times, with Chennaiyin winning two and Odisha winning one. Three games between the two teams have resulted in a tie.
