“Experience in Thailand will be valuable while coaching in India,” says Chennaiyin FC’s head coach Bozidar Bandovic

Two times Indian Super League champions, Chennaiyin FC are all set to start their pre-season camp in Goa ahead of the new season. Therefore their new head coach Bozidar Bandovic spoke to the media regarding his team, pre-season plans and preparations for the big season ahead.

First Bandovic was quizzed whether his new signings will be able to solve Chennaiyin’s long term problem of not scoring enough goals. To which the Montenegrin replied, “I cannot speak much about last season since I wasn’t here, but yes, the numbers were not good. Yes, I believe that these players can score goals, but we want to try teamwork to create chances.”

“For me it’s not important who will score the goals, for me it’s important that at the end the team wins. And that is why we are here to make good results and score more goals than the opponents.”

Barring Rafael Crivellaro, the Marina Machans have added five new overseas players for the upcoming ISL season. Despite being new to Indian football Bandovic feels that they will prove their worth in the ISL.

“Yes, I know they’re new to the league. But of course, I believe they have a quality, and we chose the players with personalities,” he answered.

“All that we know is foreigners need to make a difference on the field and these are experienced players. So, I believe they will adapt very fast. It’s very important that they have a very positive influence on the domestic players,” Montenegrin added.

Speaking about his roster, Bandovic sounded very content with his team is looking forward to the season ahead.  “Yes, I’m satisfied because we have balanced, experienced and young players,” he began.

“We have some domestic players who play for the national team. We need to work very hard and need to make the chemistry between the players, and to put them in the position so where they can give their absolute best,” he continued.

The 52-year-old has a good resume and has great experience working in Asian football. His most successful stint as a head coach came during his time in Thailand. Therefore when asked whether his prior coaching in Thailand will help him in India, Bandovic said, “Every experience in different countries helps a lot. I need to adapt myself to this league. The people around me – they are very good and they want to help in every way. So, I will adapt and learn more and be better with the players, not only as a coach but also as a person. And of course, it helps me a lot that I was there for many years in Thailand.”