Chennaiyin FC bid adieu to their foreign contingent
Chennaiyin FC's star forward Nerijus Valskis announced through a post on his social media account that he isn't part of the club's plans going forward on Tuesday. On June 22, the Marina Machans declared on their social media handles that the club is parting ways with all six foreigners from the team last season.
Defender Slavko Damjanovic, midfielders Ariel Borysiuk and Vladimir Koman and forwards Nerijus Valskis, Lukasz Gikiewicz and Mirlan Murzaev have all parted ways with the club.
After a disappointing ISL 2021-22 campaign that saw the Marina Machans struggle despite a bright start, the management have opted for a fresh start ahead of next season. The Marina Machans finished eighth in the table with 20 points from as many games.
Forwards Mirlan Murzaev and Lukasz Gikiewicz failed to drive the team's title hopes as they lacked an edge in the final third. Former Golden Boot winner Nerijus Valskis was onboarded by the club in the January transfer window but the Lithuanian failed to deliver this time.
Critics pointed out that the system devised by former coach Bozidar Bandovic did not suit the available players as the team would leave gaps in their defense while trying to attack.
Chennaiyin FC fans in shock following the departure of Slavko Damjanovic
Fans have taken to social media to react to the departure of central defender Slavko Damjanovic. Despite the team's poor display, the Serbian earned the support of the fans with his performances throughout the course of the season. Here are some fan reactions:
Will personally miss Slavko Damjanovic. Don't know what more he had to do to earn an extension or new contract. Sorry that you never got to play in a CFC blue jersey at the Marina Arena. Whichever club is gonna get Slavko is getting a gem of a centre-back.
#CFC #SFtbl
Chennaiyin FC didn't retain Slavko Damjanovic. He was their best player last season, and it is tough to find a player of his quality. Solid player. π¦πΆ #CFC #SFtbl https://t.co/9JIN6coPdM
The Biggest Mistake Was Not Giving Contract Extension To Chennaiyin Fc Slavko Damjanovic
@ChennaiyinFC @juniorbachchan
@Vitadani11 @pratham_basu #Chennaiyinfc @IndSuperLeague https://t.co/VgXzIX6hcu
It is understandable given that new head coach Thomas BrdariΔ is looking at recruitment based on the style of play he wants the team to adopt. Damjanovic's departure has been received poorly among the club's ardent supporters.