Dynamos, Chennaiyin clash for first win

Both teams enter Round 2 with a loss each against their name in the opener

| OCTOBER 07, 2015, 12:00 AM IST

AGENCIES

NEW DELHI

Roberto Carlos will look to inspire Delhi Dynamos at home against Chennaiyin FC in an attempt to register their first win in the Indian Super League second round clash in Delhi on Thursday.

The marquee-manager-cum-player for Delhi Dynamos came out of retirement to play for 45 minutes in the team’s opener against FC Goa. It was the first professional game for Carlos in three years but the Brazilian World Cup winner could not save his team from the clutches of defeat. Goa won 2-0 with two first half goals.

Dynamos gave a good account of themselves with former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda, former Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise and Ghanaian striker Richard Gadze all in good form but the visitors could not translate their superiority into goals.

“I am very satisfied with the manner my team played. I am sorry to my fans for losing. But sometimes it is better to play well and lose,” said Carlos, who is now hoping the home fans will inspire his side on Thursday.

“My fans are the best,” he said.

Carlos is expected to field the same squad that started against FC Goa and will restrict himself to a second-half role, only if needed. It remains to be seen if the coach opts to start with Adil Nabi, the striker who is on loan from Premier League side West Bromwich Albion.

Chennaiyin FC are reeling from their opening match loss to Atletico de Kolkata. Chennaiyin is a compact side but paid a heavy price for their defensive lapses as all three goals stemmed from defensive blunders. Even someone like Bernard Mendy, normally a reliable defender, faltered.

Coach Marco Materazzi will return to the technical dug-out for the first time after serving a one-match suspension that was carried forward from last season. Materazzi’s presence in the dug out can be inspiring for Chennaiyin FC, who many believe have one of the strongest team in the league.

Marquee player Elano Blumer, one of the stars of the inaugural edition, scored from the spot to cut the deficit but will look to play a more influential role in midfield. Up front, Fikru Teferra needs to fire as well.

BOX

Carlos is expected to field the same squad that started against FC Goa and will restrict himself to a second-half role, only if needed

Materazzi’s presence in the dug out can be inspiring for Chennaiyin FC, who many believe have one of the strongest team in the league

ROUND 1

Delhi Dynamos 0 FC Goa 2

Chennaiyin 2 ATK 3

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