Picture courtesy: Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC player-cum-coach Marco Materazzi is expectinig a tough encounter as his sides take on Kerala Blasters FC in the 1st leg of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) semifinals on Saturday.
“They are a very good side and have a good record at home,” the former Italian international said during the pre-match press conference in Kochi. “I said before our league match in Kochi that they will be in the semis so I am not surprised. It is going to be a difficult game but we will play for a win although we are away from home.”
“This is a huge boost for us,” Materazzi told on the availability of a full-strength squad. “I have plenty of options tomorrow so hopefully we will be able to get a good result here.”
“I have been impressed by Denson Devadas from the very first day of our pre-season camp in Bangalore so I am not surprised that he has featured in every game. I know he is from Kerala and would be looking to produce another good performance tomorrow.”
Young Indian defender Abhishek Das will be back in action from a long injury-break. “I got injured in the home league game with Kerala Blasters so it has been a long time since I played but I am ready if the coach selects me,” Abhishek said.
“I am thankful to the coach for supporting me. This gives me a lot of confidence so hopefully I will be able to be at my very best.”
The Kerala Blasters FC v Chennaiyin FC match at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will kick-off on Saturday at 19.00 IST.