Owen Coyle Eyes Winning Start as Chennaiyin FC Preps to Face Odisha FC

Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle aims for a victorious start in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season against Odisha FC. Despite being an away game, Coyle is optimistic about securing maximum points. The team has bolstered its squad with 13 new signings to enhance performance.

Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle is aiming for a victorious launch to the Indian Super League 2024-25 season as his side heads to Bhubaneswar to clash with Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday. Despite starting the campaign away from home, the Scotsman expressed a strong desire to secure maximum points and believes his team has the potential to deliver a win.

"We'll field our best team to face Odisha FC. I'd love to secure a win against a tough rival. It's a well-run club, and we look forward to the challenge. We believe that at our best, it's a game we can win, and that's our approach," Coyle told the media during Thursday's pre-match press conference. "We're not here to settle for a draw; we aim to win. It will be a challenging match, but we are excited for it. May the best team win."

Chennaiyin FC has been active in the transfer market during the pre-season, enhancing their squad with 13 new signings. The team has brought in a mix of Indian and international talent, including notable names like Mandar Rao Desai, Kiyan Nassiri, Wilmar Jordan, and Elsinho, providing Coyle substantial options across all positions. "Our squad may have the fewest first-team players, but we've ensured depth with two players for every position—something we lacked last season," Coyle noted. "This season, we have players who can change the game, creating greater competition for places, crucial for the team's success."

Forward Connor Shields echoed the coach's views on the squad's ambitious outlook. "I'm happy as long as I can contribute to the team," Shields said. "The competition within the squad has increased, and high standards motivate us to earn our place in the starting lineup." Although Chennaiyin FC's strong late-season form last year secured a playoff spot, Coyle aims to address areas needing improvement to ensure a strong start for the new campaign. "Improvement across all areas is vital. Last season, we conceded more goals than desired and could have scored more. We aim to be stronger at both ends of the pitch," Coyle explained. "Given the investments by other clubs, we must be our best and build on last year's performance."

Chennaiyin FC will kick off their ISL 2024-25 campaign away against Odisha, a team they have beaten in four of their previous encounters, including their last meeting in March 2023. The match will kick off at 5:00 PM IST on Saturday, available live on the Sports18 network and JioCinema.

(With inputs from agencies.)