Indian Super League: Atletico look for good start to crucial home stretch against struggling Chennaiyin FC

Kolkata: Atletico de Kolkata face the struggling Chennaiyin FC in the first of their four consecutive home matches at the Salt Lake Stadium, as the defending champions go all out for a win in a bid to reach the semi-finals of the Indian Super League. With 14 points after ten matches, a positive result is of utmost importance for Antonio Habas’ side. “It’s a very important match for both of us. In this competition you win a game and you’ll get three points. We have to try and work hard and win the game,” said the Spaniard. [caption id=“attachment_2511592” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Iain Hume of Atletico de Kolkata in action against Chennaiyin in the season opener. ISL[/caption] Last season’s semi-finalists Chennaiyin FC’s performances have been a mixed bag throughout the competition. From defeating league leaders FC Goa 4-0 away from home to finding themselves languishing at the bottom of the standings, Marco Materazzi’s men are winless in their last three matches. “Although I’m convinced it’s a really good team, we are not performing to our potential. And we have very few games left and it’s going to be difficult but all other teams are also very close on the points table, so we still have a chance to qualify but we need to win 2-3 games for that,” Materazzi told FirstPost when asked about the cause of his team’s gross under-performance this season. A lack of cohesion in the defensive unit has really hurt Chennaiyin FC’s chances in recent past as the team conceded six goals in their last four matches. Although Materazzi testified to the quality of his defenders, he admitted they could do without lapses in concentration. “The players are good and we have a good defence but what we can improve is being more focused throughout the duration of the game. They are good players with qualities and can stay focused throughout the game,” told the Italian. Chennaiyin FC’s trait to concede penalties at crucial junctures of play (seven penalties in nine matches) has the player-manager worried as well. “Yes, of course it’s something for us to worry about and yes we have conceded a lot of penalties,” added Materazzi. Atletico may sit on the fourth position in league standings, but Habas’ side are yet to showcase the ruthlessness they were renowned for last season. The Kolkata outfit has won only on one occasion at home and their last two outings at Salt Lake Stadium have both resulted in demoralizing losses. Although “fatigue due to travelling around the country in such a short span” has taken its toll on the team, Habas noted, “No excuses for the bad performances here. The pitch is also not an excuse now as we have had our time to practice on it. Hopefully we will put up a better show tomorrow.” Riddled with injuries since the inception of the competition, Antonio Habas finally has most of his squad available tomorrow. While Jorge Alonso Martin (replacement for Javi Lara) and Dejan Lekic (replacement for Josemi) are ready to take the pitch, the Atletico boss is still waiting for the final word on Helder Postiga. “We are evaluating his situation. I will take a call on matchday. Postiga is training with the team but I think he needs maybe 3-4 days, although there is a possibility that he will play,” Habas told journalists. Chennaiyin FC has consistently struggled to hit the target from within the 18-yard box, shooting on goal only five times in the last three matches. However, Antonio Habas’ opposite number has continued to remain unperturbed at subdued showings from his attacking options, especially his marquee player. “Elano had a great season last year and this year he has scored 4 goals, he has made 4 assists, so he is having a good season this year but one player doesn’t make the game, we win together, we win lose together,” concluded Materazzi.