Chennaiyin FC Aims for Strong Finish Against Bengaluru FC in ISL 2025-26

Final Match for Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC is set to conclude their Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a match against Bengaluru FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium this Saturday. As they prepare for this last encounter, the Marina Machans are eager to end the season positively in front of their home crowd. Head coach Clifford Rayes Miranda shared his thoughts during a pre-match press conference on Friday, emphasizing the challenges posed by Bengaluru.

Miranda Discusses Bengaluru FC's Strengths

Clifford Rayes Miranda acknowledged that Bengaluru FC has become a formidable opponent under their new coach, showing significant improvement after an initial adjustment phase. He pointed out that their playing style closely resembles that of Chennaiyin FC, with an emphasis on ball possession, midfield dominance, and a strong presence in central areas. Miranda highlighted that Bengaluru's ability to overload the midfield will be a critical challenge for his squad.

"Bengaluru is a solid team with a new coach. They faced some adaptation issues initially, which is typical, but they have improved. Their style is similar to ours; they prioritize ball control and crowd the midfield with players. This midfield overload will be one of our main challenges," Miranda stated.

"They also have talented players. Their recent victory against Jamshedpur was impressive, as no team had managed to defeat Jamshedpur at their home ground before. However, this is our home turf, and we are determined to put up a fight," he added.

Reflecting on the Season's Journey

Miranda pointed to various metrics that indicate the progress made by Chennaiyin FC, despite facing a challenging season. The team ranks well in possession across different areas of the pitch, vertical movement, entries into the penalty box, and chance creation. However, he admitted that their low goal conversion rate has cost them crucial points throughout the season.

"This club has a rich legacy and has consistently been among the top teams. This season has been particularly tough, and I take full responsibility for it. The club was transparent with me regarding available resources and potential improvements," the head coach remarked.

"I accepted this responsibility and aimed to create a positive outcome. I can confidently say that I put in my utmost effort. The statistics reflect our performance in various areas, but numbers alone do not translate into points," he concluded.

Spotlight on Academy Graduate

Joining Miranda at the press conference was academy graduate S Prakadeswaran, who has emerged as one of the standout players this season. The 19-year-old recently netted his first senior goal against Jamshedpur FC and expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Miranda, his teammates, and the fans during his breakthrough season.

"I transitioned directly from U13 to ISL. The start was challenging, but I dedicated myself to training and learned a lot from the coach. He shared insights about his playing style, provided examples, and guided me on how to improve. This has significantly helped my development," Prakadeswaran shared.

"The entire team has been incredibly supportive. Whenever I face challenges, my teammates help me understand how to address them and adapt my play. They frequently communicate with me about when to be alert, and I have gained a lot of knowledge," he added.

"I was pleasantly surprised by the level of support from the fans. Many reached out to me personally to show their encouragement. Their chants and support as I step onto the pitch boost my confidence," he concluded.

Injury Updates

In closing, Miranda confirmed that several players will be unavailable for the final match, including Elsinho, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Laldinliana Renthlei, Vivek S, and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy due to injuries, along with the suspended Alberto Noguera.