ISL 2017-18: Going into a crucial match with full strength squad puts us at ease, says CFC coach John Gregory

CHENNAIYIN FC will take on Bengaluru FC tonight at their home ground in Chennai. The team will hoping for a similar result like the one they got away from home. A win tonight will take them to the top of the points table.

Coach John Gregory at the pre-match press conference was asked about the different goalscorers that the team has this season which includes, Jeje with 7 goals. He replied,

"Jeje scoring that many goals is a testament to his goal-scoring abilities. But yes, everyone has chipped in with goals. Mailson (Alves) scored his first-ever goal in the Hero ISL. So, it’s great that everyone has taken the responsibility of trying to score. If we expect Jeje to score in every game, that would be a big burden on his shoulders. So, I am delighted that everyone is contributing this season."

Coaches in the past have complained about the tight ISL schedules but John Gregory had no complaints.

"We have never complained about it. We’ve just got on with it. Everyone else has the same problem in various parts of the season. There is nothing you can do about it. We tend not to give any extra thought. It’s there, that’s our programme - we roll up our sleeves, get on with it and win our matches."

Denying the fact that an away win for CFC against BFC will work in their favour tonight, he said,

"That is a misconception. We play every three or four days. If there is a bad day, we are back on the pitch after three-four days and erase the negative things of the defeat. In a couple of days, we are back on the training pitch and then we are on the pitch where we have to be."

“So, when the games come thick and fast, it is never a problem for me. My players have literally been playing every three or four days and have been getting positive results. I am sure they can’t wait to get back on the pitch against Bengaluru and am also sure the previous match has no detrimental effect for them."

He ended by sharing some good news.

"We have a good squad and I have got choices to make tomorrow night for the match. So, we are going into this crucial period with a full-strength squad. We are all very comfortable."

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