Sitting on top in the goal-scorers list, Chennaiyin FC striker Elano Blumer says his superb performance so far in the Indian Super League has been helped immensely by the good turnout of fans.
Chennai thrashed Mumbai City FC 5-1 on home turf and Elano was once again the star, netting two. He has scored in every match in the tournament and has five goals against his name.
"Whenever I play at home ground, I see more people and more supporters and that eggs me on to perform better and better," the Brazilian star said.
Elano is being touted as the best marquee player so far given his form and the Brazillian said he is enjoying the stint.
"I try to do the best for my team. I do not think about becoming the best player of ISL. I am very happy with my performance. I have been playing in the same manner in Brazil and I am happy I am able to bring this kind of performance for people in Chennai. On the whole, it is a great moment for me."
‘It is good to play in a league like this’
Asked about his fitness, Elano said, "I feel I am tired but we have one week before the next game is played. I would recover in time for that match."
On his India experience so far, Elano said it has been an enjoyable ride so far.
"It is good to play in a league like this. I congratulate the people who jointly brought about Indian Super League football. We have had very nice games so far. I am very happy being in India and I hope to continue like this," he said.
‘Poor defending’
Mumbai manager Peter Reid felt his team was undone by poor defending and needs to be in top shape in the coming matches.
"I am disappointed and obviously we need to do a lot of training before the next game. After conceding early in the game, I think it is a difficult game. Nicolas (Anelka) playing for the first time in ISL lasted 90 minutes. Of course, I expected more from Mumbai FC. It is not rocket science and we did not do much in the mid field today," he explained.
On whether he expected a better performance from defender Manuel Friedrich given his experience, Reid said, "I think it is very difficult to pick one individual for the loss. I am not going to sit here and point out individuals. I do not think it is fair, I would say that as a team, the Mumbai FC, defended very very poorly this evening."
On whether defender Syed Rahim Nabi was rushed in after recovering from injury, Reid said, "He has been training and the medical staff said Nabi is fit. I admire Nabi when he said he is fit and he kept on going. We need to improve."
