Csaba Laszlo: Thapa is making good progress, it looks positive

The Romanian spoke about his team's preparations ahead of the game against Mumbai City FC.

Ahead of his side’s game against Mumbai City FC, Chennaiyin FC head coach Csaba Laszlo spoke to the media on his plans for the match and his time with the squad so far. 

The coach spoke on the back of a close defeat against rivals Bengaluru FC, which meant that they have a draw, a defeat and a win in their three games so far this season. He also mentioned his expectations of a good showing from his side. 

A major event from the last game was the early substitution of Anirudh Thapa, who had to come off due to a foot injury. The coach expressed uncertainty over his availability for the game against the Islanders, but sounded upbeat over the midfielder’s recovery. He stated, “We are discussing with the medical team. Thapa is making good progress and we will decide tomorrow, but it looks positive.” 

Speaking on the game tomorrow against a packed Mumbai City side, Csaba Laszlo expressed confidence by replying, “We are capable of scoring; we know the strength of Mumbai and they’ve shown it. We lost the last game, but there is a new game and I am confident that my team will definitely score goals.”

He added, “They have a lot of players who have played here before and have the knowledge. Yes, it does give an advantage, but it is important that you adapt to the game. Every team has good players, but they are always looking for their best combinations. It is how the team grows together, whether they are working better together. For that, I am satisfied with the team spirit and togetherness, as that is most important in the progression of the team. In these three games that we played, we showed that we can play and compete against any team in the league.”

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He kept fewer words for his tactics for the game though saying, “We have to stay compact and help each other. You need to have a plan not for any one player but for the team. We need to be structured, otherwise you can’t do anything.” 

Before parting for the day, the coach personally thanked the fan clubs of Chennaiyin, who reportedly sent in video messages showing solidarity to the team and the players post their defeat in the game against Bengaluru and to Thapa and Chhuantea Fanai, who have suffered injuries in the last two games.

The Romanian expressed gratitude for the act and reiterated his commitment to the team and to improving their performances in the upcoming games.