ISL: Chennaiyin FC player-manager Marco Materazzi - Performance is the only thing that counts

Chennaiyin FC’s Marco Materazzi and Bojan Djordic speaking to the media ahead of their second match

Chennaiyin FC appeared confident going into their second match of the Indian Super League against the Kerala Blasters. The Chennai outfit will be playing their first match at home, and will look to continue their impressive start.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, player-manager Materazzi and captain Djordic both expressed happiness at the spirit in the team and their chances of doing well in the ISL.

Marco Materazzi

On the foreign-Indian balance

For me the passport is not important. Only thing that counts is performance. We have a squad of professionals and I am very happy with their attitude. If needed we will play more than five Indians, if they perform well.

On first home game

We are all looking forward to the first home game. The players are very excited.

On Abhishek Das

I like his spirit and hard work.

On whether he will play

If needed yes but I am not sure

On if new signings Djemba Djemba and Maurice will find a place in the eleven

When they arrive, we will see. Remember I can only play six foreigners.

Bojan Djordjic

On Denson Devadas' performance against FC Goa

He put in a shift for us but every player in our team is important starting from the Indians to the foreigners and the ones who start to the reserves. We try to help each other out both on and off the field. We are gelling very well as a unit.

On Kerala Blasters

They are a good side but we always try to do our best. Hopefully the rain gods will be with us and we will have a good game tomorrow.

On team spirit

We have a great squad here and I am not just saying that for the sake of it. You saw how we played as a team in the first game. Even during the presentation of two of our players we were all together enjoying the moment. We will lose some games on the way but mentally we will always remain strong and remain as a unit.