Materazzi talks of ‘change in attitude’ after beating NorthEast

Chennaiyin drew their opening game of the season against Atlético de Kolkata but then their world came crashing down following a 1-3 defeat to Delhi Dynamos FC in a game where they were no match for Gianluca Zambrotta’s men. However, in a few days’ time things have brightened up for the ‘Blues’ thanks to wins against FC Goa and the Highlanders.

“What makes the difference between winning and losing is the mentality. After the Delhi game we knew that our performance was bad and we changed our attitude and here is the result,” Materazzi told reporters after the game.

This was also the first time in ISL history that the Highlanders were beaten by Chennaiyin. Commenting further on the match, Materazzi said: “We knew it was going to be a very difficult game.

We knew how NorthEast United play. It was an even fight but maybe if we had concentrated a little better in the second half we would have scored the second goal. The team defended well and so I am overall happy with the performance.”

When asked to explain his decision to leave marquee player John Arne Riise out for today’s encounter, Materazzi said: “No it was not tactical. I have to make tough choices. Even in the previous game I had to leave Bernard Mendy out who is our captain, it wasn’t easy. But this is my job and it’s not easy.

Leaving out Riise was a tough decision but you know it’s about the mentality. After the game against Goa, the first person to congratulate me and the entire team was Mendy. This is what I ask of my players that even if they are left out, they should keep cheering for the team because the spirit of the team is more important. I would like to congratulate Mendy for this game because after being left out to come back and perform so well is not easy.”

Davide Succi volleyed in the winner in the 49th minute of the game after Siam Hanghal set him up perfectly. Teen defender Jerry Lalrinzuala also had a good game. 

Materazzi spoke favourably of both Indian players. “Siam and Jerry have always played well. We did have some problems in the pre-season with Khabra and Thoi and then there were some important injuries. So I think we have really good players. I will to look play Jerry again and we have many other young Indian players too and I think that they will make their contribution to the Indian national team one day,” he said.

When asked if the Chennaiyin were still missing Elano and Stiven Mendoza, their great performers from the last season, Materazzi said: “What I actually miss is the two points against ATK and the three points against Delhi Dynamos FC. I don’t like to talk about the past. We understand that everyone wants Mendoza and Elano but it is not fair to the players fighting right now.”