ISL 2019: With a rejuvenated side, Chennaiyin FC aim to turn around fortunes

The joint-most successful side in the Indian Super League was down on their luck all through their last campaign, but Chennaiyin FC will be hoping for a much better run this time around. John Gregory’s side, champions in 2015 and 2017 ended season 2018/19 with only 9 points in 18 games. They were placed rock-bottom in the league table and had some of the worst statistics in the league.

Chennaiyin FC scored the least number of goals (16) and the second-lowest number of clean sheets (3) in the season, underlining significant problems in both defence and attack. The injury to their main man Jeje Lalpekhlua made things all the more difficult for them, and it was fair to say that the two-time winners never recovered from the loss.

Setup this season

In an attempt to rejuvenate their squad this season, Abhishek Bachchan and his management team have taken some very bold decisions and shuffled their squad around a lot. The primary focus was on strengthening their defence, as the likes of Mumbai City FC’s talisman Lucian Goain, Masih Saighani and promising starlet and I-League 2019 winner Edwin Vanspaul were all acquired. Significant signings were also made to add ammunition upfront, as the likes of Andre Schembri, Dragos Firtulescu, Rafael Crivellaro and Nerijus Valskis were all roped in. The exciting Lallianzuala Chhangte, who was on trial with Norwegian club Viking FK was signed as well to provide more options for John Gregory. Under the bars, experienced campaigner Vishal Kaith was added to provide cover for the veteran Karanjit Singh. Midfield, however, could be a cause of concern for the Supermachans as the loss of Gregory Nelson, Raphael Augusto and Isaac Vanmalsawma could be a major cause of concern during the course of the season.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Karanjit Singh, Sanjiban Ghosh, Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Deepak Tangri, Eli Sabia, Hendry Antonay, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Laldinliana Renthlei, Lucian Goain, Masih Saighani, Tondonba Singh, RC Aimol, Zohmingliana Ralte.

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Dhanpal Ganesh, Dragos Firtulescu, Edwin Vanspaul, Germanpreet Singh, Thoi Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte,Rafael Crivellaro.

Forwards: Andre Schembri, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Nerijus Valskis, Rahim Ali

Three key players

Lucian Goain

If the departure of Mailson Alves was a big blow to the Marina Machans, the signing of Lucian Goain is certainly a big boost. The former Mumbai City FC man has been a consistent performer in the ISL since his arrival in 2016. He was a rock at the back for Mumbai last year as well, making 33 interceptions and 82 tackles in 18 games. He is the ideal candidate to stop Chennaiyin from leaking poor goals regularly, and is, for all intents and purposes their statement signing of the transfer window. With his experience and skill, he will also be expected to guide the young and dynamic Edwin Vanspaul and hold the fort steady at the back.

Lallianzuala Chhangte

Five goals and one assist for the now-defunct Delhi Dynamos bought Chhangte to national attention in ISL 2018/19. The wide forward has a tremendous pace to burn and was a last-minute big-money swoop for Chennayin FC. John Gregory will expect him to bring the diversity in the attack that his team so direly needed last season. If his partnership with fellow Indian compatriots Anirudh Thapa and Thoi Singh clicks, Chennaiyin fans can be assured of seeing plenty of fireworks on the pitch this season.

Nerijus Valskis

Lithuanian forward Nerijus Valskis will be expected to provide the much-needed support to Jeje upfront. Having plied his trade across various clubs throughout Europe, this will be the 32-year-old’s first time in India. However, he is a renowned poacher, and his tally of 98 goals in 300 career appearances do not make for bad reading. John Gregory will mostly deploy him as a support striker to Jeje or as a part of a 2-man combination up top, but there is no doubt that he will need to fire on all cylinders right away.

Target

Chennaiyin’s first and foremost target will be to ensure a repeat of last season does not happen. Fresh faces will take some time to settle in, but the playoffs should be the target given the squad they have. The management has kept their faith with John Gregory despite the fiasco, so the Englishman will be desperate to make amends and ensure the debt is repaid to the fullest possible extent.

First match

Chennaiyin FC kicks off their campaign against FC Goa away on the 23rd of October. Their first home game is against Mumbai City FC on the 27th.