ISL: Materazzi and Silvestre positive ahead of Chennaiyin FC's second leg against Kerala Blasters

Marco Materazzi has stressed at the importance of playing as a team in the second leg against Kerala Blasters

Chennaiyin FC suffered a 3-0 defeat against Kerala Blasters in the first leg of their Hero Indian Super League semi-final at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Saturday evening. The second leg takes place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday.

Marco MaterazziOn overturning three-goal deficitIt will be very difficult but we believe we can do it. The first half will be very important because if we can get a goal or two, we will put Kerala Blasters under pressure.On the importance of not concedingYes that will be crucial so we have to play as a team from the first to the last whistle. We have to defend from the front and take whatever chances comes our way. It is still only halftime in the two-legged tie so anything is still possible.On why Chennaiyin has won't since qualifying for semisAt the start of the tournament Chennaiyin wasn't fancied by anyone but as the league stage progressed, it was clear to everyone that we are a top team. So maybe in the latter stages the opponents raised their game further and adopted different strategy to play against us.Mikael SilvestreOn maintaining balance between attack and defenceIt will be vital to have the right balance because we can't just go out there and think we will score three easily. We have to show compactness while defending and of course create as many chances as possible.On producing a performanceThe most important thing tomorrow will be to produce a performance because we know Kerala Blasters are expected to go through and have everything to lose whereas we have everything to gain. We have to fight for the 90 minutes first and then if needed beyond that also. We have to show again that we are a team.