Former India footballer and Chennaiyin FC's (CFC) assistant coach Syed Sabir Pasha insists the two-time champions are in a transitional phase, but expressed confidence that a revamped team will put on a good show in the Indian Super League (ISL) Season-8 campaign. The Marina Machas kick off their 2021-22 season against Hyderabad FC at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday.

Chennaiyin FC finished eighth with only three wins from 20 matches in the 11-team league last season and have roped in Montenegrin Bozidar Bandovic as coach. Apart from retaining Brazilian playmaker Rafael Crivellaro, CFC have also signed Polish midfielder Ariel Borysiuk and Kyrgyzstan forward Mirlan Murzaev to boost the squad.