Chennaiyin FC will kick off their Indian Super League 2025–26 campaign with a challenging away fixture against Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Thursday, as the Marina Machans look to set an early marker despite a demanding start to the season.
The clash begins a tough four-match away stretch for Chennaiyin, making a positive result crucial in establishing momentum. With limited preparation time following the offseason break, head coach Clifford Miranda acknowledged the compressed build-up but insisted his squad is ready to compete.
“It’s difficult, and you can’t really compensate for the break,” Miranda said during the pre-match press conference. “We’ve tried to adapt to the situation, not just tactically but also in terms of physical conditioning. It hasn’t been easy, but we’re ready.”
Leadership Group Chosen by Players
In a notable departure from traditional appointment structures, the Chennaiyin squad has selected its own five-member leadership group for the season. The players voted to appoint Pritam Kotal, Mandar Rao Dessai, Elsinho, Alberto Noguera, and Mohammed Ali Bemammer as the core leadership unit a blend of domestic experience and international exposure.
“I have 29 players at my disposal, and I want each of them to be a leader,” Miranda explained. “I didn’t choose the leaders; the group selected them. They voted and picked five.”
The decision reflects a collaborative culture within the dressing room and signals Miranda’s emphasis on shared responsibility rather than centralized authority.
Tactical Evolution Under Miranda
Defender Pritam Kotal highlighted that the team is undergoing tactical adjustments under Miranda’s philosophy.
“There are many good coaches, each with their own style,” Kotal said. “Clifford wants us to play in a certain way. It takes time to adapt, but I can assure you that we’ll play a different kind of football, hopefully one the fans will enjoy.”
While Chennaiyin have historically been known for defensive structure and transitional efficiency, Miranda’s system appears to demand greater fluidity and proactive build-up play. With an extended run of away fixtures, execution and defensive discipline will be tested immediately.
“Our focus is on the first 90 minutes against Mumbai,” Kotal added. “We’ve prepared well, and we need to start well. We want to give our best and take all three points.”
Noguera’s Seamless Arrival
New signing Alberto Noguera brings valuable ISL experience and familiarity with Miranda’s methods. The Spanish midfielder revealed that his move to Chennaiyin required little persuasion.
“He called me, and from the beginning it was a yes,” Noguera said. “I know how he works, so it was very easy for me to join this club. We’ll aim to have a good season, and hopefully everything goes well. We’re ready.”
Noguera’s composure and ability to control tempo could prove central to Chennaiyin’s midfield stability, particularly in hostile away environments.
For Miranda, the opener carries added context as he faces his former club. However, the Chennaiyin head coach was quick to dismiss any emotional undertone.
“It’ll be the same if it were Chennai versus Goa, or Mohun Bagan, or Odisha,” he said. “At some point in time, you have to face your former team. It’s the same with Alberto, the same with Pritam. If you’ve played or coached in this country for a long time, it will happen.”
His measured response underscores a professional approach, with focus firmly on tactical preparation rather than narrative.
Squad Availability and Challenges Ahead
Miranda confirmed that the majority of the squad is available for selection, with only Daniel Chima Chukwu awaiting documentation clearance. Squad depth will be particularly important given the back-to-back away fixtures that follow. Historically, Chennaiyin have struggled for consistency against Mumbai City. Across 27 meetings in all competitions, Mumbai have won 16 matches compared to Chennaiyin’s seven victories, with four draws. The numbers underline the scale of the challenge awaiting the Marina Machans.
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With four consecutive away matches to begin the campaign, Chennaiyin cannot afford a sluggish start. Early points would not only ease schedule pressure but also reinforce belief in Miranda’s system during its formative phase. The opening fixture represents more than just three points. It is an opportunity for Chennaiyin to demonstrate tactical evolution, leadership unity, and competitive resilience under a new structure.
For a club seeking renewed stability and consistency, Thursday night in Mumbai offers the first real indicator of whether the Marina Machans can convert preparation into performance as ISL 2025–26 begins.
