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Chennaiyin FC had a miserable season in the Indian Super League by securing just nine points throughout the campaign. That single digit tally meant that the blues beat other sides to the record of bagging the least in a ISL campaign.
It should not be forgotten that the club were the champions during the 2017/18 season, but things did not pan out well for the two-time Champions in the successive season. From being labelled as victors of the tournament to finishing last hit the club hard and the fans were distressed throughout the tournament.
When the likes of Henrique Sereno, Bikramjit Singh, Rene Mihelic, and Jaime Gavilan depart, the club cannot move ahead unless ideal replacements take up their place in the squad. Excessive confidence being champions coupled with deplorable transfers were the main reasons for a distraught campaign.
The club tried it's best to upgrade the squad with the signings of Chris Herd, CK Vineeth, and Halihcharan Narzary and did reasonably well by reaching the finals of the Hero Indian Super Cup. But, this season will be considered as a failure, without a shadow of a doubt.
The club needs to clear out some players to rejuvenate themselves in the forthcoming season. In this article, we shall look at five players who could possibly leave the club following this season.
#5 Mohammed Rafi
Mohammed Rafi moved to Chennaiyin FC during their title winning season. The Indian International played second-fiddle to Jeje Lalpekhlua during the first campaign, but he was barely spotted in last season's Indian Super League.
The striker scored twice in the 2017/18 season, including the late and famous header against Jamshedpur in front of the home crowd. After struggling to break down into the squad in the league this season, he was included in the Super Cup and AFC Cup roster. He has played only 70 minutes in all three competitions this season and is likely to be shipped off after extending his contract with the two-time ISL champions last term.
Chennaiyin will be working to lure his teammate CK Vineeth on a permanent basis to the club.
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#4 Germanpreet Singh
When Bikramjit Singh was sold and Chennaiyin had to learn about Dhanpal Ganesh's long-term injury, John Gregory put his trust on the young midfielder Germanpreet Singh. The 22-year-old had an excellent opportunity to break into the starting lineup, but he started just seven games throughout the Indian Super League campaign.
The comeback of Dhanpal Ganesh from injury coupled with the availability of the Australian Chris Herd on a permanent transfer will force Germanpreet to bid goodbye to Chennaiyiin FC. He was given time to step up his gear, but he has failed to do so.
Besides his game time, his talent is brought into consideration. He tends to be too slow in decision making and struggles to complete the defensive work with perfection. He lacks physique losing the possession on plenty of occasions.
John Gregory will be looking to bring in an astute midfielder in the middle of the park. If Germanpreet does not improve his overall game, he is likely to head the exit door.
#3 Francis Fernandes
Francis Fernandes lost his entire mojo after the title winning season. Besides losing his flair and finesse through the attacking flank of the right wing, he was told to operate at right-back when the Skipper Mailson Alves was struggling to find his form.
During the title winning season, Francis Fernandes' stats did not look bright, but his performances on the pitch did. He scored only one goal last term, but he was much more effective with the ball and without the ball to make things happen in the final third of the pitch.
The former Pune City winger is a dispensable player and the Blues will be looking to upgrade their attacking flank of the right wing. After starting eleven games in the Indian Super League, Francis has been rarely used in the Super Cup and AFC Cup.
CK Vineeth has occupied his place temporarily, but it remains to be seen if the club would be able to strike a permanent deal with Kerala Blasters for the forward. If the deal is completed, it would mark the end for Francis Fernandes.
#2 Zohmingliana Ralte
Zohmingliana Ralte was slotted into the starting lineup when Mailson Alves was desperate for a turn of fortunes. This forced John Gregory to look at Zohmingliana Ralte, who has good enough experience in the Indian top flight and could pair with Eli Sabia at the back.
Despite possessing an extraordinary opportunity to cement his place in the starting eleven, he started only two games which resulted in a defeat against Northeast United and Pune City FC. He came off the bench against his former side Bengaluru FC, but had little effect in the process.
He has warmed the bench on four occasions in the Super Cup and AFC Cup. It was an underwhelming season for the Blues and Ralte had to be part of that side which looked dubious from day one of the campaign. The two-time Champions will look to bolster their backline before the kickstart of the next campaign.
#1 Karanjit Singh
Karanjit Singh was one of the best goalkeeper in the league a year before. But, the landscape has totally changed after Chennaiyin FC deciding against bringing the old goalkeeper coach Tony Warner back. The England International's absence was one of the many reasons for Karanjit's downfall this season.
The shot-stopper has turned 33 years of age, but he is already showing signs of slowing down. Goalkeeper's primary objective is to stop the ball, but Karanjit has struggled in that aspect throughout the season.
The Indian International is Chennaiyin's first choice goalkeeper, but the complexion could change before the kick start of the next season. The Blues will be looking at a foreign goalkeeper like Apoula Edel who singlehandedly won plenty of games when the Indian outfit lifted the title for the first time in their history.
The board will be displeased with the performance of the goalkeeper this campaign and this would remain a tricky situation for the club.
