CHENNAI: Defending champions suffering a huge slump in form is not that common. But it has happened before. Even the cream of the cream have been victims of bad starts right after a title triumph. Right now, that’s the state of ATK. But even in ISL, this is not the first such instance.
After Chennaiyin FC won the title in 2015, they had a terrible third season under then-coach Marco Materazzi. As ATK gear up to face Chennaiyin here on Thursday, that was the main focus. Speaking to the media, ATK coach Teddy Sheringham accepted that things haven’t exactly gone according to plan.
“We have not had the best of starts which isn’t good for the reigning champions. We had a few setbacks. But I believe we are not far away. We need to do better and I know that. But we are positive. There is always pressure and no one wants to be bottom of the table even if these are early days. We have had two very good away draws. I am very very happy with how things are transforming and how we are learning as a team,” Sheringham said.
If ATK’s form is a cause for concern, their head-to-head record against the hosts will give them some hope. In eight matches, ATK have won four while Chennai managed to take away three points only once. The other four were draws. However, Chennaiyin coach John Gregory did not seem too bothered by past results. “They have been champions twice. They have beaten many teams in ISL since its inception. It’s a clash of two champions. We haven’t been able to beat NorthEast here before this year. We have put that one to bed. We will see what we can do about ATK now,” Gregory said.
CFC too did not have the best of starts this year. They lost the opener against FC Goa 3-2. But a change in formation reflected immediately. A thrashing of NorthEast United, followed by a 0-1 win away to FC Pune City, has boosted their confidence. Gregory is expected to go with the same line-up that he chose against NEUFC and Pune to keep the momentum.
“I decided to go with the same line-up for the last two games. But it’s not the case always. People say you should not change a winning team. But you need to do one or two adjustments to improve,” he said. ATK, on the other hand, have been hit with multiple injuries. Star player Robbie Keane is still recovering. Jayesh Rane, Carl Baker and Ashutosh Mehta are others on the sidelines with Eugeneson Lyngdoh being the latest casualty.
Sheringham unhappy
ATK coach Teddy Sheringham is not pleased with his Indian adventure so far. The former Manchester United player lamented the lack of quality pitches and referees being too kind to harsh tackles. “I think there were some horrendous challenges. I am very surprised that there are not more injuries. They are going unpunished and if they keep doing so, we will have more injuries. The referees have to be more on the ball. The pitch last week in Jamshedpur was horrendous as well which made it tough for the players to pass and move the ball,” he said.
vimalsankar@newindianexpress.com