Mulder’s shot hit the arm of a Chennai defender, earning the Dynamos a penalty which Chicao converted calmly into the bottom left corner. The hosts knew the importance of an early goal against the all-out attacking Chennai side as Dos Santos kept the pressure on the visitors with his blistering pace and technique.
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Carlos was visibly pleased with the defensive performance put in by his players when he said, “my team was strong physically”.
Santos, who was sitting beside his coach, said that he would be happy to play at any position. I don’t need to win 5-0. All these players are on national duty.
Delhi completely dominated possession through Mulder and Malouda.
Carlos explained why his team slowed down as time wore on.
“This is normal in this heat”.
“Chennaiyin didn’t have even one shot on target”. Anas Edathodika and Gustavo Dos Santos made it to the starting line-up, replacing Anwar Ali and Vinicius. It’s the same three points, ‘ he said. We could have scored more goals had we taken our chances.
But just when it looked the home team, would build on from the initial ascendancy, Chennaiyin reminded them of staying true at the back, three minutes later. They will do better as the league progresses, ‘ he added.
Five minutes were added after the end of regulation time, but the script did not change for Chennai as they slumped to their second successive defeat this season. ‘The supporters were cheering continuously. It was like this in Goa and over here as well. “I don’t want to talk about it much”, Nagul said at the post match press conference.
Carlos sought to play down the controversy surrounding the release of national team players from his ISL side, saying that there was a few “misunderstanding” with his team and Indian football authorties.
Delhi will also be without the services of midfielders Francis Fernandes and Snehraj Singh. Let the players gel together and we will score more in the future. ‘Delhi played really well in the first ten minutes. We were looking to equalize and were the better team in the second half.
When asked about Fikru Teffera’s late introduction into the game, Nagul cited fitness issues. Fikru is a good player and we wanted to play him the whole match against ATK. But we also thought Steven Mendoza (who started the game yesterday) would be more effective with his speed, ‘ he said.
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Elano Blumer was substituted midway into the second half as Materazzi introduced Bruno Pelissari who had an instant impact on the proceedings. Nagul explained as to what led to the decision. “He did what he thought best and we accept it”. We have been attacking and scoring goals (in the last season).
