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Chennaiyin FC return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday for their first home game of the Indian Super League 2026/27 season, as they welcome southern rivals Kerala Blasters FC for an eagerly anticipated encounter.
Having completed their opening three fixtures, the Marina Machans will be keen to make their home advantage count and begin their home campaign on a positive note. Head coach Clifford Miranda and midfielder Madih Talal addressed the media ahead of the contest, highlighting the team’s progress and their determination to turn promising attacking performances into goals.
Miranda stressed that Chennaiyin would look to maintain their approach regardless of the venue, with the emphasis on playing organised football and executing the principles established in training. He also identified composure and decision-making in the final third as key areas for improvement.
“We need to be a bit more calmer and more composed in the final third to take our chances. That’s where we need to be more composed, more decisive and we need to take our chances,” the head coach said.
The coach expressed confidence in his squad while pointing to the progress made in the team’s attacking structure compared to last season. He highlighted the improved control, movement and chance creation, while stressing the importance of converting those opportunities.
“In terms of attacking dynamics, I think we are better than what we were last season. We are creating a lot of chances. Our movement is very dynamic. We have more control compared to last season,” Miranda added.
Talal spoke about his role in Chennaiyin’s attacking play and the responsibility he carries in creating opportunities for his teammates.
“As you said, I am the playmaker of the team. So I am trying to help them as much as I can. I need to take more responsibility in this final third,” he said.
Looking ahead to the Southern Derby, Miranda acknowledged the quality of the opposition and spoke about Kerala Blasters’ progress under their head coach.
“They (Kerala Blasters FC) are a good team, a balanced team with a good coach who has experience in India and also experience of coaching international teams. He did very well last year when he came on and guided them to five victories, getting them out of the relegation zone. This year, even though they may not have had a long pre-season, they are improving day by day, match by match. They won their first game, were unlucky to lose the second away from home, and then drew their last game.”
Talal also underlined Chennaiyin’s ambition heading into their first home fixture, saying: “We want the three points tomorrow because it’s the first home game. We are improving game by game. So now it’s the time to take points.”
With the fixture carrying the added significance of the Southern Derby, Miranda called on Chennaiyinsupporters to turn out in large numbers and create a strong atmosphere at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
“We want the fans in huge numbers. Come support us. It’s the first home game of the season, as you call it, the Southern Derby. We need the fans to come and support these players,” he said.
On the team news front, Miranda confirmed that Nuno Reis remains a doubt, with a final decision yet to be made. Vignesh, Glan Martins and Maheson Singh are not yet ready to return, while the rest of the squad is available.
The Marina Machans will look to draw on the support of their home crowd as they take on Kerala Blasters on Saturday.
