ISL: Materazzi left big legacy, says Chennaiyin coach Gregory

Mumbai Nov 10 (IANS) Chennaiyin FC coach John Gregory said on Friday that previous incumbent Marco Matterazi has left a big legacy at the Indian Super League (ISL) outfit.

Materazzi who had won the 2006 World Cup with Italy was signed as the player-manager of Chennaiyin FC ahead of the inaugural ISL edition in 2014.

The former star defender had enjoyed a successful stint at the club guiding Chennaiyin to the ISL title in 2015.

"A lot is expected of us champions in year two and semi-finalist in the first. Marco Matterazi is a tough act to follow he s left a big legacy " Gregory told the media here.

"This year we don t have a marquee player but I still expect a successful season. The least we should be looking for is a play-off position " he added.

Gregory also praised the longer format which the ISL will feature in the 2017-18 season and said it will help the players and coaches to know each other better.

"I remember seeing the fixture lists from previous seasons and there was a point where Chennaiyin played three games in six days. That was too much to ask for from players " he said.

"As for training drills I won t do anything different compared to England where Championship clubs play 46 games in 38 weeks along with (midweek) cup games as well. But a longer league gives coaches and players enough to know each other " he added.

--IANS
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