We don't fear any team, says Chennaiyin coach Coyle

CHENNAI: The Indian Super League (ISL) is at its midway stage and Chennaiyin FC, under new coach Owen Coyle, will be looking to turn things around quickly if they have to harbour hopes of making the playoffs this season.
Chennaiyin have had a disappointing start to the season and are placed ninth with six points with only one win. But they can soon get back on track with a few wins under their belt, starting with the match against Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium here on Friday.It will be Coyle's first game in charge at home after Chennaiyin had drawn 1-1 against hosts Jamshedpur 10 days back.
"It's always exciting to play at home and we have to deliver to the expectations of the fans. I have got some time with the players and we have worked really hard during this phase. We don't have dearth in quality. It is about having the right balance in the side," Coyle told a press conference on match-eve.
What might ease some of the pressure on Coyle is that Blasters too have been unimpressive this season. They are placed a rung above Chennaiyin and have seven points from eight matches. But Coyle doesn't want to take Blasters lightly. "Kerala have been struggling with injuries. But it looks like now they have a fully fit side. So we will respect them. However, we want to play with freedom and we do not fear any team," said Coyle.
Blasters, on the other hand, are now on a seven-game winless run. However, the team's attack has looked sharper after Raphael Messi Bouli found some form upfront with four goals in the last three games. The possible return of Bartholomew Ogbeche will further improve Kerala's attack while the likes of Mario Arques and Jeakson Singh will have an important role to play in the middle of the park.
"We have dominated matches but lost due to individual errors. Despite having a lot of injuries, our players have shown character. Hopefully, we can improve and make the playoffs," said Kerala Blasters' assistant coach Ishfaq Ahmed.
Chennaiyin will need to sort out a few issues of their own. They have the worst attacking record in the league so far with their forwards failing to convert the chances. Out of their five goals, four have come from the boot of Lithuanian marksman Nerijus Valskis.
An inability to close out games is also hurting the two-time champions. They have conceded late goals in each of their last three matches, the latest of which was against Jamshedpur where they were leading 1-0 before Issac Vanmalsawma equalised in the 89th minute.
Coyle's prescription is to play a high-intensity game. "We like to press when we can, go after the opponent when we can. We want to play at a high intensity. That's what we are trying to do. The players know what the plan is and we are ready to try and win," said Coyle.