When European soccer is busy with Euro 2016 and upcoming domestic season, here in India, Indian Super League clubs are also busy with strengthening their squads keeping best of the European talents, and after Bengaluru, it’s time for the Chennaiyin FC to extend the services of their manager, Italian World Cup winner, Marco Materazzi on the supreme club position. This is definitely a good news for all soccer fans over here because performance of the Materazzi has been impressive, in fact, he is the one who helped Chennaiyin win last Indian Super League season beating Goa in the final by 3-2. Actually, rumors were in the air that 42-year-old could be axed after completion of his current term with the side but after a mammoth meet with club’s top grass, it was finally decided to extend his services for another term. Although, the amount involved in the deal is not yet disclosed but according to close insiders, it is much higher than the amount he used to be taking home in his last term.
Upcoming season is going to be more exciting for the Chennaiyin since they will be equipped with Jeje Lalpekhlua, Dhanachandra Singh, Abhishek Das, and Jayesh Rane who are now returned off their loan spells hence team can play with its full strength. Anyway, looking at the all the arithmetic of the dressing room, it is strongly believed they are in a best position to defend their title thanks to the manager who could be convinced to stay with the side along with on-loan players who are back with their original side. Talking about the latest extension and how it would be helpful for him as well the club, Materazzi said, “I am delighted to continue with Chennaiyin FC for another season and would like to thank the owners for their continued support. We were very consistent in the first season and narrowly missed out on reaching the final despite being the last franchise to join the league. Last year our only target was to be crowned champions and we achieved that by showing immense quality and character.”
“This year the goal is again very simple and that is we want to keep the ISL trophy in Chennai. We are working very hard to build a very strong squad this year also and are going to give our very best to match last season’s success.”
Marco Materazzi: katatonia82 / Shutterstock.com