ISL: Our team has quality to stop Anelka, says Chennaiyin FC assistant coach

Chennai: Chennaiyin FC's assistant coach Vivek Nagul on Monday said that his boys are not scared of Mumbai City FC team's marquee striker Nicholas Anelka, who is expected to play his first match when the two teams lock horns in the Hero ISL, here on Tuesday.

"We won't have any particular strategy for Anelka. We have players to do a job for us both with and without the ball. We have the quality to stop Anelka also when he is in possession," a confident Nagul told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

Nagul also dismissed notion that Chennai was overtly dependent on Brazilian Elano Blumer. "We are not dependent on one single player. Our team is a blend of youth and experience. We have good attackers. You will see a positive change in the attitude of our players compared to what it was when we played against Delhi Dynamos," Nagul said.

The Chennai team is not planning any change in the starting line-up despite their 1-4 drubbing at the hands of Dynamos in the last match in Delhi.

"At the moment, we are not planning to bring in changes to our defence line-up. It was a bad day against Delhi Dynamos. We are confident of performing to our potential tomorrow and win the match. Of course, we will bring in substitutions depending on the match situation. Hopefully, we will not lose our possessions and make good of them."

On captain Bojan Djordjic not being able to play through the match, Vivek said,"He struggled a bit in the last two matches. We do not want to force any player unnecessarily. We have strong midfield bench-strength and Bojan not playing the match through is not a problem for us. We are focused fully to deliver the result tomorrow against Mumbai City FC."

On the otherhand, Mumbai FC coach, Peter Reid feels that match against Chennaiyin "is not going to be a difficult game". "You will have a good entertaining football match. We are really looking forward to the game," Reid said.

On lack of consistency from his side, Reid said,"It is mitigating that we need to be more disciplined and not commit too many fouls. And, importantly, we should avoid carrying injuries. We are searching for consistency."

"Optimistic players display their natural game. If I have got any worrying factor, that is we need to be more disciplined. We should stop giving free-kicks."

Meanwhile, experienced shotstopper Subhrata Paul, Mumbai goal keeper warded off worrying about set piece goals.

Asked to say whether he is worried about set-piece goals in which Elano Blumer is good at, Paul said,"Our coach had already talked to some players on this aspect and advised a strategy to counter him. I see how best I will be able to manage if there is any such situation."