Chennaiyin FC humiliated Mumbai City FC 5-1 in a Hero Indian Super League match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadiun, Chennai yesterday.
Player-cum-coach Marco Materazzi made his debut for the hosts and played a vital part to Chennaiyin’s success according to assistant coach Vivek Nagul.
“Yes it was our strategy to play Materazzi because we wanted to give further protection to the back four,” Nagul told at the post-match press conference.
“His physical presence and leadership helped us a lot. The other midfielders also supported him well.”
Star midfielder Elano was the Man of the Match with two goals to his name. The former Brazilian international said, “I am very happy to perform in such a great atmosphere. It makes me very emotional to play in front of so many fans. I try to always do the best for my team. I am delighted that we bounced back so well after the Delhi game.”
“I practice freekicks from different positions in training so all that hard work is paying off.”
“There is a great atmosphere in the dressing room. Everyone starting from the support staff to the foreigners and Indian players have been very supportive from day one. Also the owners are great and motivate me a lot.”
Talking about about his two assists for John Stiven Mendoza and Jeje Lalpekhlua, Elano concluded, “It would have been impossible to assist the them without their brilliant runs. In fact all the players supported each other. It was a team effort.”
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