We have signed players who have a point to prove: CFC head coach Miranda

Chennaiyin FC head coach Clifford Miranda knows full well that he will be under the spotlight in the upcoming Indian Super League season.

He has been backed by the management with plenty of incomings despite the club’s dismal show in the last edition, where CFC finished a lowly 13th among 14 teams. The new-look squad, Miranda believes, will be able to challenge the usual heavyweights.

“We had a lot of problems last season, but we tried to play well. The idea was to sign younger players to reduce the average age,” the chief coach told The Hindu. 

Miranda.
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“We consciously took the decision to recruit promising young players, which will benefit the club in the long term. I want the team to play a certain way with and without the ball. It is going to require players who are eager to prove a point. We have players who are on that border… those who are yet to fully establish themselves [at this level].”

For Miranda, showing relentless energy throughout a game is non-negotiable. “Football is won and lost in phases. With the quality that we have, I want us to fight and dominate the ball. At the same time, I want to see us run. It is one of the factors that led to us finishing where we did last season. You cannot win football matches if you do not run,” said the manager. 

The ‘Marina Arena’ awaits. Will Miranda’s men turn the tide and make waves?