Anirudh Thapa will be ready to start the next game, says Csaba Laszlo

The Chennaiyin FC boss explained the absence of midfielder Rafael Crivellaro from the game.

It was yet another insipid performance from the runners-up of the last season of the Indian Super League, Chennaiyin FC, as the South Indian club’s attacking woes continued against NorthEast United FC. In the end, it was a game that was defined by the mistakes made rather than by the footballing excellence on display. 

Chennaiyin head coach Csaba Laszlo cut a frustrated figure as he faced the media after his side’s toothless performance.

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Rafael Crivellaro’s absence from the side

Chennaiyin FC’s talisman and captain, Rafael Crivellaro was not in the starting lineup for the Marina Machans’ game against NorthEast United. The Brazilian was replaced by his compatriot Memo, who started his first game for the side. Csaba Laszlo clarified that his decision was made to rest his captain and not because he was carrying a knock.

“It’s no injury, he’s just resting. He’s okay. We talked just before the game. After the game against Mumbai city he was really tired. He played three games in a row and we just took him out to get a rest”

Vishal Kaith’s form and his place in the side

Chennaiyin FC’s Vishal Kaith has endured an indifferent start to the new season of the Indian Super League, with a number of suspect performances. However, the shot-stopper looked in top form against NEUFC, making crucial saves and commanding his box with authority. 

His coach was full of praise for the former FC Pune City man’s performance, asserting that his trust in his No. 1 was unwavering. 

“We have a team and I give everybody the chance to play. I also think, if we talk about the goalkeeper Vishal, he did a very very very good job. He is the No. 1 and I trust him in the future.”

Related: Chennaiyin FC hold NorthEast United to goalless draw

Eli Sabia’s attacking intent from centre-back

Chennaiyin FC’s Brazilian centre-half Eli Sabia had an adventurous game against NEUFC, often finding himself assisting attacks in the final third. Laszlo was asked if this was a part of the gameplan, given the absence of Chennaiyin’s creative forces in Anirudh Thapa and Crivellaro.

“Our central defender can move out, if it is possible. Eli is a very good player. He followed my instructions. This was also a tactical movement from him.”

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Anirudh Thapa’s return to action

Anirudh Thapa made his return to the side off the bench, after having missed CFC’s last game with an injury sustained early on in their encounter with Bengaluru FC. The midfielder’s return will come as a welcome boost to his manager, as the South Indian side try to mount a challenge to reach the playoffs.

“The next game, definitely. (Thapa can start the match). Even just now, he was ready for 45, but NorthEast United went very tired in the second half and I was thinking that in the last 20 minutes, maybe we can kill the game.”

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 Missed chances and lost points

It was yet another frustrating outing in front of goal for the Marina Machans, with Jakub Sylvestr failing to find his shooting boots and Lallianzuala Chhangte lacking composure in the final third. Laszlo was visibly frustrated with his side, blaming the lack of ruthlessness in front of goal for the result.

“If we were clinical, we had to win the game, 2-0 or 3-0. Jakub Sylvstr has to hit the goal. Even the shot from Chhangte, it was from five meters and it was an empty goal but it [was] shot 10 meters over the bar. I think if you [score] these goals, then you can win the game and I think this is our biggest problem.”

The Marina Machans will play their next game against fourth placed FC Goa at the Fatorda stadium on the 19th of December 2020.

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