I want everyone around me to grow: Chennaiyin’s Miranda on teamwork among coaches

For Chennaiyin FC head coach Clifford Miranda, teamwork is imperative to make the dream work. It is not just restricted to the pitch; it extends beyond the touchline where the backroom staff belt out instructions to the players throughout the matches.

While Miranda is Chennaiyin’s designated chief coach, he has allowed assistant coach Anthony Fernandes and goalkeeping coach Rajat Guha to take up lead roles when required, as was evident in the 0-1 Indian Super League (ISL) defeat to Mumbai City FC.

Miranda, on Sunday, stressed the importance of sharing coaching responsibilities during games. “I am not a superman who can do everything by myself. I have people around me who help me, the team, and the players. At the same time, I want to grow and I want everyone around me to grow,” the former India international said ahead of CFC’s away encounter against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, scheduled in Kolkata on Monday.

During the match in Mumbai, there were instances when either Anthony or Guha stood closest to the field of play. “We have people who are looking after different areas. For example, Anthony is looking after attacking set-pieces.

“Rajat, being the goalkeeping coach, takes care of the defensive set-pieces. Everyone’s role is well defined. The work is an extension of what we do, in both attacking and defending,” explained Miranda.

The 43-year-old admitted that raising the bar in the attacking parts was the need of the hour. “It is true that we had possession in good areas (against Mumbai City). We did create chances, but those were not very clear. It is the most difficult part, and I know that we have to improve as the league goes on. We need to work on our play in the final third.”

It is time to get the ball rolling again.