Brdaric says goalkeeper Devansh will make ISL debut

CHENNAI: Chennaiyin FC head coach Thomas Brdaric on Thursday confirmed that young goalkeeper Devansh Dabas would make his Indian Super League debut against FC Goa in the Season 9 match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Friday.

The 21-year-old Devansh, who made a solitary appearance in the Durand Cup, will replace the suspended Debjit Majumder. Veteran shotstopper Debjit was forced to have an early shower in the 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC here last week as he handled the ball outside the 18-yard area when Roy Krishna was through on goal.

“We have five goalkeepers (four in the ISL squad and one reserve keeper). Debjit made a sacrifice with the red card. I am sure that Devansh will play at a good level. I hope he keeps a clean sheet,” Brdaric said at the pre-match press conference.

On why he chose Devansh, Brdaric explained: “First of all, I like his attitude. He is a pretty good guy and a good professional. He plays at a high level. He is good with his feet. He will help us in build-up and open play. We were struggling with it the last time.”

‘Prepared for Goa’s challenge’

Chennaiyin and Goa, two of the four unbeaten teams, will go head to head in what is expected to be an exciting contest. While CFC has accumulated four points from two matches, Goa has collected the maximum three points from its only game so far.

Talking about the clash against Goa, Brdaric said: “It has some strengths. We have analysed our opponent in a professional way, and showed the players what the strengths and weaknesses [of Goa] are. Fulfilling the task will be a good challenge. Goa wants to play football. We are prepared for the match.”

Chennaiyin is confident and dynamic: Goa coach Pena

Two-and-a-half years after suffering a 1-4 defeat as a Goa player in Chennai, Carlos Pena, the current head coach of the club, will return to the ‘Marina Arena’.

“It is the past. There are not many similarities from that match (the ISL 2019-20 semi-final first leg). In Chennai, they always have a very good environment at the stadium. They will bring many fans to the stands. Chennaiyin is confident and dynamic; it is playing good. I hope that we can see a great match,” said Pena.