Picture courtesy Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC are looking forward to take on league leaders Atlético de Kolkata on Friday as they aim to claim three points and go top of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) table.

Chennaiyin FC player-cum-coach Marco Materazzi is expecting an engaging match against Atlético. “It will be a fantastic game between two good teams. I think Atletico de Kolkata were always among the favourites before the start of the tournament but we were very much the underdogs. So I believe no one expected us to be level on points with Kolkata at the halfway stage. I know very well Kolkata is a football city so it is going to be great to play in front of a big crowd,” the Italian told at the pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Talking about three straight draws in the Hero Indian Super League, Materazzi said, “It’s not ideal especially because we deserved to win the last two games. But still one half of the tournament is remaining so maybe if we can match our tally from the first half of the campaign, we will be in the playoffs.”

Asked about Atlético striker Fikru Teferra Lemessa, Materazzi stated, “He is a very good player but we are only focusing on ourselves and our style of play.”

Former Brazilian international Elano, who accompanied Materazzi at the press conference, felt that playing on artificial turf will be a challenge, but it shouldn’t be an excuse. “It won’t be easy but I think it will be the same for everyone, me, opposition goalkeeper, my teammates, opponents,” Elano told.

“I enjoy the responsibility and always look to give my best for the team. We have a great atmosphere in the dressing room with foreigners and Indians bonding well,” the star midfielder commented while asked on the pressure of being the marquee player for Chennaiyin FC.