Chennaiyin FC registered a convincing 3-1 win against FC Pune City in a Hero Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday.
“I believe we deserved more than a draw in the last three games. So today it was good to get back to winning ways,” Chennaiyin FC player-cum-coach Marco Materazzi told at the post-match press conference. “We may or may not reach the semi-final and final but I am proud of my players because they always stick together as a team.”
“I prefer winning to clean sheets. I would take today’s score in every game, maybe even 3-2. The most important thing is three points.”
“The injuries are bad news for us. We will only know the extent of them after the scans tomorrow. But the good thing is we have players to step up from the bench like Bruno (Pelissari) today. I must congratulate him for his outstanding performance today,” the Italian commented on the injuries of Elano (calf), John Stiven Mendoza Valencia (hamstring) and Gouramangi Moirangthem Singh (groin).
Asked about the reasons for so many injuries, Materazzi told, “I think maybe because we started pre-season late, we are having these injuries because it’s not easy to play and recover within a short period. But fortunately we have a big squad with the ones, who are not playing, hungry to prove a point and help the team.”
Brazilian midfielder Bruno Pelissari replaced his fellow countryman Elano just 16 minutes into the game. “I never felt any pressure. Every game when I am on the bench, I just wait for my chance,” Pelissari said. “Today the coach gave me an opportunity and I tried to give my best. Thankfully I made a significant contribution.”
Pelissari put his side back in a 2-1 lead with a powerful strike seconds after FC Pune City levelled the score line in the 70th minute. “I just asked Gennaro to get the ball from the back of the net quickly and then asked Mendoza to pass to me. After that it all happened quickly, I don’t know how I made it possible but it was a happy ending for us.”
John Stiven Mendoza Valencia (62′), Bruno Pelissari (70′) and Jeje Lalpekhlua (90′) scored the goals for Chennaiyin in their 3-1 win, while Eric Djemba-Djemba (70′) put the ball into the back of the own net to give away a goal to the visitors.
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