CHENNAI:

might have retained 15 players but they are yet to get the signature of their most influential player - captain and central defender

- from last season. Coach John Gregory said that they are still in talks with the Portuguese. "We are yet to solve the Sereno puzzle. We are still in talks with him. Hopefully, something should work out," Gregory told TOI.

Sereno had been a vital cog in Chennaiyin's wheel last season. Not only has he been an inspirational captain, he has also performed exceedingly well in crucial matches.

Sereno's impact can be understood from an anecdote Gregory shares. "Last season, we had all our 25 players fit for our away match against Jamshedpur. So I had the difficult task of selecting not only the first XI but also the reserve bench of seven. So, obviously, a few players didn't make the cut. Before walking on to the pitch for the game, Sereno got all the players in a huddle. He said that we have to win the match for the players who didn't even make the substitutes. The players were extremely motivated with this pep talk. This is the kind of effect Sereno had. He has been an inspirational captain for us," Gregory said.

Sereno was also key in forging a good atmosphere in Chennaiyin's dressing room. "Being the captain, he could have stayed isolated. But he was extremely friendly. He used to pull the Indian players' leg and make fun all the time. He also used to dance to Bollywood tunes in the bus. So it helped in having a positive dressing room atmosphere," Gregory said.