Chennai, Chennai: Chennaiyin FC will be aiming to build on the momentum heading into the final stages of their Indian Super League 2026 campaign when they travel to face Punjab FC on Wednesday. According to a press release, with only three matches remaining in the season, Marina Machans are focused on finishing strong and carrying that momentum forward. With two of their last three matches being away from home, the clash against Punjab presents an important opportunity to set the tone for the final round. The records of both the teams in recent meetings have been very close. Chennaiyin had won 2-1 in their last meeting, while in the last five meetings, Marina Machans have won two and drawn one, underscoring the competitive nature of this encounter.
Before the match, head coach Clifford Reyes Miranda stressed the need to defend well against a challenging team.
“With Punjab, everyone knows they are a very good team going forward. Their strongest players are in the attacking line. They have some very good Indian players as well. We know it’s going to be difficult, and we know they are a threat, especially when they play a direct game. They move the ball quickly, trying to break down teams and get the ball to their attackers quickly. From there, they rely on strong, powerful players. Stay dependent. So, we need to defend well—defend really well as a group,” he said in his pre-match press conference on Monday.
Amid a tough season, Chennaiyin has been focused on building a clear identity under Miranda’s leadership. Reflecting on that process, the head coach said:
“We know exactly what we are trying to build, and I believe we are on the right track. This is not a normal season where you have a longer pre-season and more time to implement ideas. When you try to do something that the team is not used to, it takes time. But I can already see progress. We are clear about what we are trying to do.”
Miranda was joined at the pre-match press conference by defender Klusener Pereira, who spoke about his debut and the difference between the top and bottom tiers of Indian football. “I’m happy with my debut, although I had to come off the field due to a small injury. I’m giving my best every day in training, and it’s been good to work with this team. There are a lot of great players here, so the competition is tough. It motivates me to work harder every day and earn my place back in the team,” Klusener said. “At this level, obviously the pressure is higher, but football is always the same. No matter what the level, it takes the same mentality to win. That never changes.”
As the season approaches its final stages, Chennaiyin will look to make the most of their remaining matches as they look to strengthen their squad for the future. Miranda emphasized this point, and also outlined his current and long-term goals for himself and the team.
“The most important thing is to understand how we want to play, and that won’t change until the last match. Of course, results matter; we want to win all three remaining matches. It won’t be easy, but we have to keep working hard, be totally dedicated, and give 100 percent. We have to stay positive, go out in the right frame of mind, and stay united as a team no matter what the results are. Ultimately, we are as We want to finish the season as high as possible,” the head coach said.
Finally, Miranda revealed that except Elsinho, the entire squad would be available for selection, including the now fully recovered Farooq Choudhary.
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