Owen Coyle slams team for conceding ‘soft goals’ after loss to NorthEast United FC

Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle shared his frustration after his team suffered a 0-3 loss against NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai in the ongoing Indian Super League on Monday.

The Highlanders took the lead in the seventh minute as Nestor Albiach found the back of the net. Jithin MS doubled the visitors’ lead in the 26th whereas in-form Alaaeddine Ajaraie put the game to bed as he scored in the 38th minute. 

Meanwhile, the Marina Machans dominated the possession with 59.7% possession and took six shots on target but Coyle reckons they were not up to the mark in defense.

“The softness of the goals. That’s nothing that surprises me in the game, with respect to what the players have been showing, what to expect from the opposition, what Ajaraie can do, and what Nestor can do. And that’s the frustration, to give up such soft goals,” Coyle said at the post-match press conference.

The Scottish manager lamented the fact that they could not convert their golden chances in the first half.

“At the other end, the chances we create are incredible; not just half-chances. I mean, as somebody who’s played as a striker, those are the chances you want in every game. And I don’t expect that you will score every one of those, but you should be taking a far higher percentage than we took, with two or three wonderful chances in the first half.”

“And ultimately, goals change games. So, the softness left us with a mountain to climb at half-time,” he stated.

The gaffer added they tried their best in the second half despite conceding three goals in the first 45 minutes but Ryan Edwards received a second yellow card in the 81st minute.

“Even though at half-time, we made several changes, obviously, by that time, people felt the horse had bolted. But we were very good in the second half with respect to control of the game. I think we had one opportunity. But after that, I think we were down to 10 men.”

“It’s disappointing. It’s frustrating for everybody, for the fans in particular, because those are the ones that my thoughts are with. After all, that’s who we do this for,” he added.

Chennaiyin FC will next take on Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai on Sunday.