Chennaiyin needs to address a few areas, says Vijayan

Following its 2-1 success against Jamshedpur FC (JFC) in its season opener, Chennaiyin is on a twomatch winless run. Laszlo’s CFC played out a goalless draw against Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) and narrowly went down 0-1 to Bengaluru FC (BFC). Next up for the two-time ISL champion is a solid-looking Mumbai City FC (MCFC) on Wednesday. 

“In the first game versus Jamshedpur, Chennaiyin created a flurry of chances and scored two goals. So, everyone thought that CFC would play an attacking brand of football this season. But, the last two matches have showed us that there are areas to address,” Vijayan, currently an ISL commentator with Star Sports Tamil, told DT Next. 

“The link-up between midfield and attack needs to be better. Individually, the players are good. However, they need to find an understanding. Newcomers Jakub Sylvestr and Esmael ‘Isma’ Goncalves are struggling a bit in the final third. We are yet to see Fatkhulo Fatkhulloev’s potential as he hasn’t started a game,” continued Vijayan. 

“The lone bright spot among foreign debutants has been centre-back Enes Sipovic, who has struck a good chemistry with Eli Sabia. Rafael Crivellaro and Lallianzuala Chhangte have to improve their game. 

Chennaiyin has to find a way to beat organised teams such as Bengaluru, ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) and Mumbai City,” said the 47-year-old. Vijayan termed NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) as the “dark horse” of ISL Season 7, which is being hosted in a bio-secure environment. 

Gerard Nus-coached NEUFC has made heads turn early on, collecting eight points during its four-match unbeaten streak. 

“NorthEast has a good set of foreign players. But, it is the manager that stands out. Nus has challenged teams by coming up with different tactics. He also knows how to use his squad well. I was surprised when NEUFC defeated SC East Bengal (SCEB) despite him making five changes to the playing eleven,” added Vijayan, former assistant coach of the now-defunct Delhi Dynamos FC (DDFC). 

Vijayan also said that East Bengal would continue to have a hard time in its debut campaign after failing to open its account in three attempts.