Chennai, April 6 Chennaiyin FC, unbeaten in their last three games, will be looking to secure a full victory against debutants Inter Kashi in what will be the first ever meeting between the two teams in the Indian Super League on Tuesday.
Chennaiyin enters the match following a hard-fought draw against unbeaten FC Goa, a game in which they led until the 88th minute. Reflecting on his team's recent improvement, head coach Clifford Miranda offered an assessment of their performance.
"We were very good with the ball (against Goa), we created several chances, and we were moving the ball well. In the second half, we were unlucky not to score a goal. We played well with the ball, and we put a lot of pressure in the high block," he said.
Looking ahead to the challenge posed by Inter Kashi, Miranda emphasized the competitiveness of the league while also pointing to a familiar face in the opposition dugout—head coach Antonio López Habas, whom he has previously worked with.
Despite a mixed start to their campaign, Miranda expects a tough test from the visitors.
Joining Miranda at the press conference was midfielder Maheson Singh, who acknowledged the support of his senior teammates in aiding his development both on and off the pitch, while also expressing his gratitude to the head coach for the faith shown in him since his arrival at the club.
Maheson, who has played in all five matches so far this season, also earned high praise from Miranda: "I think he is the best Indian number 10 at the moment, in my opinion, and he will only get better.
"He is very good in the way he reads the game; he is very good in pockets; he is very, very good in his defensive work. He needs to improve some things in his game, and of course, he needs to score more."
Miranda confirmed that he expects to have the full squad at his disposal, with the exception of Daniel Chima Chukwu, who was forced out injured in the previous match against FC Goa.