Farukh prepares for the Odisha challenge.
| Photo Credit: Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC’s Indian Super League 2025-26 journey has been riddled with challenges so far.
Chennaiyin has made a false start to its season, with halts in Mumbai and Kolkata – where Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant are stationed respectively – not yielding the desired results. But head coach Clifford Miranda, who is piloting the CFC train, is adamant that the team is “on the right track” despite the poor beginning.
Miranda, however, was thrown off balance for a moment as he was rattled by the earthquake in Kolkata that interrupted the virtual pre-match press conference on Friday. The club later informed that the players and staff were “safe and unharmed.”
Speaking ahead of Chennaiyin’s fixture against Odisha FC, slated for Sunday in Bhubaneswar, Miranda said: “It is never good when you lose, but this is the nature of the game. Even with these defeats, the players and I feel that we are on the right track. I believe that we are going the right way.
“We can start afresh in the next game.”
Miranda, who is still searching for his maiden victory as the CFC head coach, added: “For us, things are in the process of going according to plan. Winning is important because it gives you the confidence for what is ahead of you. A win sets a good tempo, and there is a positive vibe in the team. Hopefully we start winning and the wins set us up in a good way.”
His side has been guilty of running out of steam in the second half of matches. If the drop-off continues, there might be no light at the end of the tunnel.
Published – February 27, 2026 11:49 pm IST
