Chennaiyin FC assistant coach Sabir Pasha is hoping to put an end to his side's habit of conceding late goals. Of the 10 goals conceded by Super Machans in Indian Super League (ISL) this season, five of them have gone in after the 75th minute.
"It (late goals) won't happen again. The way we conceded goals hurts us. Like I said, it was as a result of losing focus," said Pasha.
Chennaiyin's next opponent Pune City are third on the table with 16 points. Chennaiyin are second and have just a solitary point's lead over the Stallions.
"We have been working (on our strategy for the game). We did not have our captain for the last match so we worked on our defence. We know that Pune are strong in attack and have scored goals."
"I never said we are not an attacking side. We do attack well. Pune are the best team in attack. But we are equally strong in every department but our strength is in defence.
But we can also build moves and score goals."
Henrique Sereno has completed his one-game suspension for picking up four yellow cards and will return to strengthen the home side's defence.
"They will come hard at us. So it is good that we have Sereno coming back. It will be a good contest between their attack and our defence."
Injuries have hit Raphael Augusto's chances of grabbing regular first team minutes but Pasha expects the Brazilian to be part of the game at some point.
"Starting Raphael Augusto is the decision of John Gregory. He will be part of the team at some phase. He is an important player for us and he will play a major part in the game."
Pune City's top scorer Marcelinho is suspended for the game against Chennaiyin FC but Pasha warned, "Marcelinho is a good player but unfortunately, he is not playing. They have other players who can step up and deliver in his absence."
"Anybody can win the league. Delhi gave us a difficult match last Sunday. The points table doesn't say anything. We need to take each game as it comes," he concluded.
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