Chennaiyin FC's Struggles in ISL 2024-25: A Season of Missed Opportunities

Chennaiyin FC's Disappointing Season Overview

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 23: Following a thrilling late entry into the Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs last season, Chennaiyin FC (CFC) faced a disappointing outcome this time, finishing in 11th place during the 2024-25 season.

The Marina Machans struggled with consistency and intensity, marking their fourth failure to reach the top six in five years—a significant decline from their usual performance levels, as noted on the official ISL website.

Under the guidance of Owen Coyle, the team was equipped with several match-winners, including seasoned foreign players with prior league success and promising Indian talents. Despite this, they ended up outside the playoff contention.

The season began on a positive note with a vital win against Odisha FC at Kalinga Stadium, where the opposing team had remained unbeaten the previous season. However, the following three matches saw them without a win, suffering losses to newcomers Mohammedan Sporting Club and NorthEast United FC, alongside a draw against Hyderabad FC, which set a challenging tone for Coyle and his squad.

Throughout the season, Chennaiyin FC's performances were erratic, making them unpredictable. The two-time ISL Cup champions managed to secure two victories against Jamshedpur FC but struggled against other top-six teams, failing to win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, and Mumbai City FC.

Later in the season, the Marina Machans rekindled their hopes with a commanding away victory against East Bengal FC. However, subsequent defeats to Bengaluru FC and NorthEast United FC proved detrimental.

The club's U23 players made a notable impact this season, contributing significantly to the team's overall performance. The U23 Indian players logged 6,225 minutes, ranking fourth in the league, and were involved in 12 goals, the second-highest tally among all teams.

Owen Coyle, recognized for his ability to develop young talent, played a crucial role in Irfan Yadwad's breakout season. After limited playtime last year, the Indian forward emerged as a key player, scoring vital goals and demonstrating his versatility on the pitch.

However, Coyle's squad managed only four clean sheets throughout the season, the second-lowest in the league. Defensive frailties have been a long-standing issue for Chennaiyin FC, as they dropped 11 points from winning positions this season.

Once a formidable force at the Marina Arena, Chennaiyin FC struggled to perform in front of their supporters, concluding the season with just three home victories—the second-worst home record in their league history.

Connor Shields emerged as a pivotal figure in Chennaiyin FC's attack, showcasing his exceptional ball distribution, ability to control the game's tempo, and tireless work ethic. The Scottish playmaker was instrumental in the Marina Machans' midfield, delivering key passes, orchestrating attacks, and regaining possession.

Shields recorded eight assists in the ISL 2024-25 season, matching Rafael Crivellaro's record for the most assists in a single season by a Chennaiyin FC player. He also created 76 chances, the highest by any player in a single ISL season, surpassing Greg Stewart's previous record.

Irfan Yadwad shone brightly in Chennaiyin FC's attack this season. The 23-year-old forward participated in 24 matches, accumulating 1,955 minutes on the field.

Yadwad achieved nine goal contributions in the 2024-25 season—the highest by any Indian player for Chennaiyin FC during the league stage, surpassing Jeje Lalpekhlua's previous record. His four assists rank third among Indian players for the Marina Machans in a single ISL season.

Additionally, Yadwad won 62 fouls this season—the highest by any Indian player in a single ISL campaign and the third most overall during the league stage.

As they aim to regain their former glory, Chennaiyin FC will need to enhance team cohesion and defensive organization, particularly in the full-back positions where they faced significant challenges. The season's instability in defensive combinations, compounded by injuries to Ankit Mukherjee and Laldinliana Renthlei, highlighted the need for improved squad depth.

Shields continued to be the driving force behind Chennaiyin FC's attack, often bearing the burden of chance creation. However, he frequently found himself isolated on the pitch, struggling against tight marking from opponents.

To improve their attacking fluidity, the Marina Machans must seek players of Shields' caliber—individuals who can complement his style and alleviate the creative pressure on him.