Gregory’s absence is a big loss: Pasha

“Gregory’s absence is obviously a big loss. The team is focussed and we have set the sights on those three points that are up for grabs on Sunday,” said Sabir Pasha, Assistant coach of Chennaiyin FC.

Portuguese Henrique Sereno will miss the clash as he has picked up four yellow cards in the lead up to this game. “It is going to be a tough task to replace Sereno in the defence. He has been such a quality player for us. We are prepared to bring in a player who can do the same job that he (Sereno) did all these games,” Sabir sounded confident during the pre-match press conference on Saturday. 

Commenting on his opponents Delhi Dynamos, he added, “We have kept an eye on their matches. Delhi is a good side and we cannot be complacent. Every team in the ISL is balanced and everyone has the potential to win the league. It will be a tough game and we have to be much better in comparison to our previous games.” 

The former Tamil Nadu coach heaped praise on Niall Clark, who is a part of the technical staff of CFC. “We have to give a lot of credit to our sports scientist for working with all our players during the break. The whole squad is fit and we are raring to go tomorrow (Sunday),” he applauded Niall’s efforts during the off days. 

CFC last played on December 28 against JFC in Jamshedpur. When queried about the gap in between Chennaiyin’s games, the 45-year-old said, “It was a good break. We needed it after the journey from Jamshedpur. I believe we have utilised it properly by giving players some much needed rest.”