The Southern derby in the Hero Indian Super league has always been fierce and it is unlikely to change when Kerala Blasters square up to Chennaiyin FC in a 10th round battle in Kochi, on Saturday.
Ever since Kerala Blasters knocked out Chennnaiyin FC in the semi-finals of the first edition, things have never been the same between the two teams and that rivalry was reignited after a fracas between the two teams in Chennai this year. Coach Marco Materazzi was suspended for "misconduct against opponents or persons other than match officials" and the atmosphere at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is likely to be heated on Saturday.
"The message to my players is the same for every game. It's not a good idea to play 10 versus 11. Discipline is vitally important. I think there was a misunderstanding in the last game," said Kerala Blasters coach Steve Coppell, referring to Materazzi's friction with one of his player after the drawn encounter.
Kerala Blasters did well to secure an important win against FC Goa in their last home clash and Coppell believes they have no time to relax in their pursuit for a place in the semi-finals.
"Every game is a challenge, a fresh challenge. I look at the league and it seems as if game by game upsets are happening. Without doubt, any team in the league is capable of beating any other team. So you can never relax. You have to be at the top of your preparation," said Coppell.
Chennaiyin will also need to be at their best to get their campaign back on track after a demoralising 1-4 defeat against Delhi Dynamos in the previous game. Chennaiyin coach Marco Materazzi has made an average of nearly four changes per match (30 changes in 8 matches so far) and this has meant there is no stability in the team, apart from the back four.
"Football is a beautiful game. You have another chance right after this game. After one game, you have to focus on the next," said Materazzi.
Chennaiyin FC have 10 points from eight matches and are placed seventh, just above FC Goa who they defeated to emerge champions last season.
Zidane masks await Materazzi
Kochi: Kerala Blasters fans will wear Zinedine Zidane mask during their club's match against Chennaiyin FC to greet the visiting coach Materazzi.
local fans already have the mask in place and will offer it to all those who are willing to wear.
Pictures of the mask are doing the rounds online on various social media networks and has a message in Malayalam which reads "Friends, I will be at Kaloor (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium) with these masks if you are ready to buy it".
"Did they spend lots of money for itIJ I would use that money for food instead," said Materazzi.
The former Italian defender was head-butted by Zidane during the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin.
FC Goa fined
Indian Super league side FC Goa was on Friday slapped a fine of Rs 4,40,00 for two separate incidents of team misconduct while its two players were suspended for two matches each for "offensive behaviour" by All India Football Federation's Disciplinary Committee.
luciano Sabrosa and Rafael Dumas were found guilty of "Offensive Behaviour Towards Match Officials" under the AIFF Disciplinary Code Article 58 for aggressive attitude towards match referee during their match against Kerala Blasters on November 8 in Kochi.