ISL 2017: 5 reasons why Chennaiyin FC can win the title

Jeje Lalpekhlua and Raphael Augusto will once again don Chennaiyin colours in 2017
Jeje Lalpekhlua and Raphael Augusto will once again don Chennaiyin colours in 2017

#2 A new face in the dugout

John Gregory takes over as Head Coach of Chennaiyin this season
John Gregory is the new Head Coach of Chennaiyin this season

One person who won't be returning this time around after three years at the helm is Marco Materazzi. Chennaiyin and Materazzi parted ways after last season by mutual consent and John Gregory, former Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers manager, is the new head coach of the side.

Materazzi was hugely popular with the fans due to his charismatic and outspoken nature. He never refrained from speaking his mind and supported his players to the hilt while pushing them to the limits at times. However, one got the impression towards the end of last season that his attitude and confrontational approach had begun to cause tension with both management and some of the players.

On a personal level, he had gotten very irate with the organizers as well. It almost looked inevitable that he wouldn't return for a fourth season. So very Jose Mourinho like, where Jose doesn't return for a fourth season because the team is mentally sapped with his tactics and approach in three seasons, despite all the success.

A new voice might kickstart a new chapter for the club and help move in a different direction. The ISL is very similar in nature too to the English game which should help Gregory in his debut season.

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