ISL 2022-23: I want to develop Indian players – Thomas Brdaric

Chennaiyin FC’s new head coach Thomas Brdaric has an aim of developing the Indian players in the upcoming season of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23. In his recent head coach role, he led KF Vllaznia to the Albanian Cup for two successive seasons. The team finished as runners-up in the Albanian Cup in the 2020-21 season.

Brdaric has the experience of coaching the team in 75 matches, in which the side has won 50 while 15 games have ended in draws. Thus, the German has all the experience under his belt and he will be looking to get the best out of his players at Marina Machans.

While speaking to the Chennaiyin FC media team, Brdaric said, “I like Indian football and the Indian players. They have some individual skills and I want to develop them. I am not only here to get results. I’m also here to evolve young players. It’s a special time here. and of course, I have to adapt a little bit to Indian football and to understand how the players work. I’m also happy that I have a chance to show these players here the German football style and I hope they will like it.”

Brdaric revealed his reason to join hands with Chennaiyin FC and said that the team’s co-owner Vita Dani played an instrumental role in his signing with the club.

He added, “I was very impressed with the owner, Mrs Vita Dani. She was very interested to develop Indian football and I appreciate that so much. I’m happy to get the opportunity wo work with the Chennaiyin FC family and get good results. I am very positive and I like to push the clubs (I work with) to achieve great objectives.”

The two-time champions have been the busiest team in the off-season as they have roped in a number of new players to strengthen their squad. Brdaric reckons Fallou Diagne is going to play a crucial role in team’s success.

Speaking on new signings, the 47-year-old said, “To build a good team it’s very important to catch the right players. I have a good feeling that we have signed good foreigners. I think Fallou (Diagne) is a very important part in our defence, to stabilise it and give them a face, to make them patient and make sure there is calmness while we build up. He can lead the group. I’ve worked with him and he is very humble. He can also score.”