CHENNAI: Chennaiyin FC got a shot in the arm ahead of the FC Goa match at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim when they signed striker Nerijus Valskis from Jamshedpur FC in the January transfer window. The Lithuanian striker had a successful stint with Chennaiyin in the 2019-20 season when he scored 15 goals to help the side finish as runners-up before moving to Jamshedpur.
Valskis wants to emulate his feats again, starting with the Goa match on Saturday. "I am happy to be back at CFC. This is my second home. I know the set-up and it won't take me long to adjust and settle down. So I am extremely confident and looking forward to score goals and help the team's cause," Valskis told TOI in an interview ahead of the game.
Valskis though has failed to hit form this season so far. In six matches for Jamshedpur, he has scored only twice. But he said he will find success at CFC because their playing style is similar to his. "I like the way Chennaiyin play. They don't play long balls and like to play passes on the ground. It's a very compact style of football which suits me. It's not to say that I don't like aerial play but the way they build an attack is something which I am comfortable with," he said.
Valskis had already hit the training ground. He said that he has been trying to develop an understanding with midfielders Vladimir Koman, Anirudh Thapa and Edwin Vanspaul. The fact that he knew coach Bozidar Bandovic during his Thailand days has also helped him settle down in his role quickly. "Bandovic knew about my abilities to score. So we had a very clear communication ahead of me joining CFC. He told me what he wants from me and I felt aligned with his vision," Valskis said.
Chennaiyin are currently placed in the sixth position with 14 points from nine games. However, in a tightly-knit table, with three points separating leaders Mumbai City FC and CFC, Valskis feels his side should eye more consistency. CFC had lost heavily against Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC before bouncing back with a win against Jamshedpur FC in their last match. "The win against Jamshedpur showed character of the side. It showed that the boys can fight. I like that in a team. If we can win a couple of games now, we can be pushing for the top spot. All we need to do is be clinical in front of goal. And I am ready to give CFC the finishing touch to their moves," Valskis asserted.
