Chennayin FC has worked a lot on defence: Gregory

The Chennai-based franchise kept only four clean sheets in the previous edition of ISL. It had a dreadful year, conceding 25 goals in its stipulated 14 league games. 

“Our defence was poor in 2016 and we almost conceded two goals per game. We have concentrated more on our defence for the upcoming season. I have laid a lot of emphasis on it in the training grounds and I have also had a chat with experienced pro Dhana (Dhanachandra Singh), who was part of the squad last year,” said the Englishman. 

Portuguese centre-back and ISL title-winner Henrique Sereno will captain Chennaiyin FC in ISL Season 4. The former Queens Park Rangers manager remained tight-lipped when queried about the process which went through in selecting the skipper of the side for the four-month long league. “We have got a few experienced boys in the team and I chose Henrique (Sereno) as the captain. I have my reasons behind it and I want to keep it private,” replied Gregory.

On the quality bunch of overseas players that the side possesses, he commented: “There have been times in pre-season when I have spoken to people around me about this (selection of foreign players). I wish we had only five overseas recruits (laughs). A head coach does always have this onerous task of selecting the playing XI and leaving the rest out. It is a part of every head coach’s job. I would be very disappointed if the players I didn’t start in the eleven were happy.” 

The CFC head coach was geared up for ISL Season 4 to get underway. “We are very keen to watch that opening game between Kerala Blasters and ATK. But for us, the real test begins on Sunday,” the coach added. Season 2 champion Chennaiyin FC will square off against FC Goa in its first home game on Sunday.