ISL 2018-19: 3 Managers who need to get their act together

#3 John Gregory

Chennaiyin FC's manager John Gregory [Image: ISL]

Chennaiyin FC coach John Gregory is perhaps experiencing the toughest of times. The same team which won the ISL previous season has failed miserably in their first two matches this season.

Chennaiyin’s defence has been awful, to say the least. It’s true that they played good football and were unlucky to finish on the losing side against Bengaluru. But the Goa game opened a can of worms. Their defence looked vulnerable. Captain Mailson Alves, who was the hero in last season’s final, looked like a fish out of the water. He had no communication with left-back Inigo Calderon, which resulted in two goals. In addition, they didn’t mark Ferran Corominas, who scored the second goal.

Gregory needs to ask his players to close the gaps in defence before they host NorthEast United FC. His questionable strategy also hurt Chennaiyin much. During Bengaluru game, Gregory took off Isaac Vanmalsawma and introduced Anirudh Thapa. Isaac was ruling the midfield then, while Anirudh couldn’t cope with the pressure and Bengaluru got back into the game.

In upfront, Jeje Lalpekhlua’s off form is a concern for Gregory. Hopefully, a good match against China with the national team will get his confidence back.