We have to win, it’s like final: Chennaiyin FC coach on Durand Cup match against TRAU FC

The Group C match is scheduled to be held at Imphal’s Khuman Lampak Stadium at six pm.

It will be the first evening kick-off for Chennaiyin FC this season.

With Hyderabad FC having qualified for the knockout stage from Group C, Chennaiyin will be fighting for second spot with three other teams in their group to progress.

Presently, Chennaiyin find themselves placed at the bottom of Group C with one point from two matches. But all this could change quickly.

A win by three goals over TRAU FC will catapult the Marina Machans to a joint second spot with NEROCA FC.

Talking about the match, Chennaiyin coach Brdaric said, “TRAU are an experienced team. They have good players. We watched them two times.

"They have weaknesses too and we should exploit them at the right moment. We have to win. It’s like a final. We want to show the fans that we have learned the lessons from our previous matches and are prepared for the fight.”

Thomas Brdaric side have played only two matches while all other teams in the group have played three matches each.

TRAU FC, though, will be coming into the fixture on the back of a 2-1 win over Army Red.

Speaking about his side’s preparations, Brdaric stated, “We must be positive every time. Everybody is important for our development. We are still in the preparation stage.

"Of course, we need positive results for confidence. Sometimes, it’s tough to understand that even if we play well, we can lose a match. So our mindset is very important.”

Chennaiyin will miss the services of Senegalese defender Fallou Diagne who was shown a straight red card in their last match.