ISL 2017-18: John Gregory felt his side caused problems for themselves

CHENNAIYIN FC lost at home to Bengaluru FC yesterday. Defeated team coach John Gregory spoke to the media after the game.

On the point where he thought the game was lost he replied,

“We caused our own problems,” he stated. “For all three of their goals, we made mistakes. Glaring mistakes, which we don’t expect from our players.”

Stating his respect about the winning team and Indian Super League debutants, Bengaluru FC, Gregory shared,

“Without a doubt, we made glaring errors,” he admitted. “The mistakes that we made cost us the game. I just want to say that I think it is a privilege to have a team like Bengaluru FC in Hero ISL, playing the kind of football that they do. They keep the ball well, pass the ball well and they are difficult to play against.”

The 63-year-old further added,

“But having said that, even at 2 – 1 we had a chance to get back in the game when we had the penalty; one which we did not take. It’s one of those nights really when not everything has gone as well as it has in the previous games.”

Henrique Sereno was sent off for picking up two yellow cards, but Gregory was quick to step in defence of Chennaiyin’s skipper.

“He (Sereno) has been an inspiration to everybody as the captain. As a defender, you are obviously more likely to get yellow cards than attackers. But he has been an outstanding captain and an outstanding person. He was a bit unlucky to get two yellows today,” he said.

Talking about the travel in the upcoming matches, the gaffer said,

“I think we looked good even with ten men,” he remarked. “Certainly, our fitness level is first class. We have enjoyed our rest. We obviously have a heavy schedule for the remaining sixteen days. So, we have to pick ourselves up and get three points when we go to Delhi.”