ISL 2023-24: Coach Owen Coyle praises Chennaiyin FC after 1-0 win over Hyderabad FC

By Sunita Iyer | First Published Oct 24, 2023, 11:22 AM IST

Chennaiyin FC edged past Hyderabad FC by 1-0 at the Gachibowli Stadium on Monday to secure their first win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 campaign.

Chennaiyin FC's head coach, Owen Coyle, praised his team for their 1-0 victory over Hyderabad FC in an Indian Super League 2023-24 (ISL) match at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday. Connor Shield's goal made the difference, marking Chennaiyin FC's first clean sheet and win of the season.

won the for his match-winning goal in ! 🥇 | pic.twitter.com/W4QbHHPCSz

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague)

Coyle, who won the League Winners' Shield with Jamshedpur FC in the 2021-22 season, expressed his belief that his team deserved the victory. He stated, "I think we were by far the better team, scored a great goal and could have scored three or four. We restricted Hyderabad FC to very few openings."

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He added, "We fully deserved the three points, which we have been threatening to do a few times this season."

1️⃣st victory scenes for in 2023-24 👏 | pic.twitter.com/cEGtGpUoVn

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague)

Coyle commended his team's defensive performance, which had been under scrutiny after conceding eight goals in their first three matches. “I thought our defence stood up to some very good players. They have a big goal threat with Moya, Felipe and Joao Victor who has been one of the best players in the league. I thought our boys were outstanding, I can't recall too many chances for Hyderabad FC,” he said.

😁😁 pic.twitter.com/Phq0nqFV5l

— Chennaiyin F.C. (@ChennaiyinFC)

The coach expressed his belief that Chennaiyin FC's performances had been better than their results in the ISL so far and was confident that the team would turn the corner soon.

"Before this game, we have had more crosses into the box than any other team, so we know we are a good side and it was important to get that win,” he said.
"It's difficult to come away from home and win in the ISL and we were worthy of that win," he added.

Looking ahead, Chennaiyin FC is set to play three consecutive home games, and Coyle encouraged his players to capitalize on the home advantage and improve their position in the table, saying, "It's a new group, I have inherited a lot of these players, and it's my job to improve them. We now go into three home games, so we should look to capitalize on that."

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