Chennaiyin FC can win ISL title this time: Marco Materazzi

Chennai: Chennaiyin FC head coach Marco Materazzi on Sunday expressed confidence that his side can win the title in the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League football tournament starting here on October 3.

Addressing the media at the team launch function at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here, Materazzi said, "We had a good season last year after being the last team to enter the fray and we did not have enough time to practice. This year we had programmed our training sessions well in advance and worked more time to be together in football."

"We are ready to show our performances on the pitch and do everything possible to avoid injuries and win the title. I have full faith in my players to have a successful campaign," said the Italian World Cup winner.

Chennaiyin FC would be playing their opening game against defending champions Atletico de Kolkata on October 3 after the inaugural ceremony of the second edition.

The club had a month long pre-season camp in Perugia, Italy.

"We had extensive training sessions in Italy this time. We focused on specific areas and importantly we worked towards avoiding injuries. We will try to avoid injuries as compared to last year. We cannot guarantee 100 per cent against getting injured. We will do our best this year," he said.

On his being second year as a coach of the side, he said, "It is not easy to be a coach. I have had many coaches in my time. I was seeking opinions and advises from Elano Blumer but once he was injured I did not have his assistance on field. These things happen.

"For this season, the team consist of almost the same set of foreign and Indian players and I am forward looking forward to a great season," he said introducing the 26-member team.

Talking about the pitch, Materazzi said, "Now there has been lot of improvement on the playing arena. There are lot of improvements. We will be training at the Nehru Park, which has come up for this season."

Responding to a question on whether there was a lot of pressure on the team, Elano said, "Last year we scored the most number of goals in the league. This year we will concentrate on defence too and the team will be balanced and all areas taken care of."