Csaba Laszlo: Anirudh Thapa should score more, it is important for me

The Chennaiyin FC head coach is pushing his side to get the three points in the big clash.

Chennaiyin FC and Bengaluru FC will lock horns in what promises to be an entertaining clash in the Indian Super League (ISL). Despite their undefeated starts, both teams will be looking to get three points and an early lead in the standings. That is the feeling in the Chennaiyin, camp which was frequently reiterated by their head coach Csaba Laszlo ahead of the big game. 

When asked about the preparations leading to Friday’s game, Laszlo said, “For every game we have particular tactics. It is a special game; it is also like a derby for us. Everyone wants to win a game, we want to win and we will do whatever is possible to win too. If we get the three points, we can stabilize our position in the table.” 

He added, “We saw their (Bengaluru’s) games; they are a physical team with tall players. They are particularly good from set-pieces and we will be working on that with the resources that we have. But, we will be focusing more on our strengths and exploiting their weaknesses. We also have to shoot more and convert our chances. We are prepared and organized in what we have to do. But, you never know what would happen in the game, so we wouldn't commit too many mistakes and use the mistakes of the opposition."

Chennaiyin FC vice-captain Anirudh Thapa was asked about the issues surrounding the bio-bubble and restricted movement during the season, to which he replied, “It is tough to be in the bubble. We can’t go out, so it is mentally tough. It is different and less fun without the fans. Last season it was electrifying in the stadium and we enjoyed it with them, but now that they are not there it is a lot less fun. We know that they are there for us and we want to play well for them.”

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The 2019-20 AIFF Emerging Player of the Year shed light on how he is enjoying his new responsibility and role in the side under the new coach by saying, “We are playing a different formation this year and of course I am learning a lot from his experience. Wherever he plays me, I want to give my best and do my best for the team.”

But, while Csaba Laszlo praised the diminutive midfielder’s all-round capabilities, he also reiterated the offensive output that he desires from Thapa. “It is like a puzzle. The tactical position is not important, what is important is how the players feel and contribute to the team. Thapa is physically a top player; he also possesses creativity which you can’t teach. He helps in defence, but his quality is in offence and I want to give him the freedom to express himself in attack. At the start of the season, I said that Thapa should score more and it is important for me.” 

Speaking on his team’s composition and how well the players have gelled together, the coach said, “We didn’t have a proper pre-season and it is more difficult with the bio-bubble. But, I am satisfied with how the new players have adapted very quickly. The rest is our creativity and just giving them freedom to express it.” 

Moreover, Csaba Laszlo announced one change to his lineup on Friday with Chhuantea Fanai, who pulled his hamstring in the last game left out as a precautionary measure. He will be replaced by Jerry Lalrinzuala in the left-back role.