Anirudh Thapa needs to improve decision-making, says Bozidar Bandovic

Chennaiyin FC will begin their pre-season training camp in Goa from September 26.

The Indian Super League is less than two months away from beginning. All 11 teams have begun their preparations in full swing for the eighth edition of the ISL. The story is no different for Chennaiyin FC, whose head coach Bozidar Bandovic spoke to the press ahead of their pre-season camp in Goa.

The 52-year-old tactician revealed that Chennaiyin FC will begin their pre-season camp from September 26. Bandovic, who replaced Csaba Laszlo also spoke on various issues including his thoughts on domestic players, new overseas players, pre-season and more.

Scoring goals

Speaking about if his new signings will solve the problem of scoring goals that Chennaiyin faced last season, Bozidar Bandovic said, “I cannot speak much about last season since I wasn’t here, but yes, the numbers were not good. Yes, I believe that these players can score goals, but we want to try teamwork to create chances."

"For me it’s not important who will score the goals, for me it’s important that at the end the team wins. And that is why we are here to make good results and score more goals than the opponents.”

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Thoughts on new foreign players

Apart from Rafael Crivellaro, the Marina Machans have roped in five new overseas players in the summer. Bozidar Bandovic was asked if the addition of new foreigners will have a positive impact on the team.

“Yes, I know they’re new to the league. But of course, I believe they have a quality, and we chose the players with personalities," he answered.

"All that we know is foreigners need to make a difference on the field and these are experienced players. So, I believe they will adapt very fast. It's very important that they have a very positive influence on the domestic players," the Montenegrin added.

Pre-season preparation

The tactician revealed that the Marina Machans will be beginning their pre-season camp from September 26. He also added that he has asked for a number of friendly games but nothing is finalized at the moment.

“We will start the first training 26th (September). I spoke to the club for the six to seven friendly games, but we will inform you when we complete all the dates because we need to see which teams are free.”

A few ISL teams have already started their pre-season training and will have more time to prepare for the forthcoming season than the Marina Machans. The tactician was quizzed whether he had asked the club for a longer pre-season.

“I don't agree with a long pre-season. I believe, eight weeks is enough to make them sprint and run for 90 minutes and to be fresh at the same time.”

“All players are here except [Vladimir] Koman, who will arrive tomorrow [Wednesday]. Samik [Mitra] has some issues with his health but he is recovering. Chhangte also has some problems, but he will be okay in two days and will resume normal training. Dhanpal Ganesh has a contract with the club, but at the moment he is not here with us. From my staff, Milorad Nikolic will probably join us in a couple of days," he informed.

Thoughts on current squad

Bozidar Bandovic stated that he is delighted with the squad at his disposal. “Yes, I'm satisfied because we have balanced, experienced and young players," he began.

"We have some domestic players who play for the national team. We need to work very hard and need to make the chemistry between the players, and to put them in the position so where they can give their absolute best,” he continued.

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Experience in Asia

Chennaiyin FC's new head coach boasts a high-profile resume, with his experience in Thailand being a major chunk of it. Speaking about whether his prior experience in the continent will help him in the ISL, Bandovic asserted he needs to adapt in India but his prior experience in Thailand will certainly be valuable in coaching in the ISL.

“Every experience in different countries helps a lot. I need to adapt myself to this league. The people around me - they are very good and they want to help in every way. So, I will adapt and learn more and be better with the players, not only as a coach but also as a person. And of course, it helps me a lot that I was there many years in Thailand.”

Thoughts on domestic players

Chennaiyin FC is home to some of the league’s finest domestic talents and Bozidar Bandovic has the responsibility to nurture them.

“In football, you need to prove every day. So they (the Indian players) need to work hard and they will work hard. We will work together and individually, tactically and physically we’ll make them better," he quipped.

"I believe that nobody can tell you what you can do and what you cannot do. For me, when you work very hard there is no limit. We are not perfect. Maybe you will sometimes have results where you will not play well. But you cannot give up, so you must work very hard," he added.

“I believe when you work, you will get what you deserve. So, I believe they deserve so much and with the good work, they can make a better career because it's not enough only to play a couple of games or five or 10 games for the national team. They need to still keep working very hard to keep improving because they're young and they have a future in front of them,” he explained.

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Thoughts on Anirudh Thapa

The Chennaiyin FC star is one of India’s top midfielders and tactician was asked about his opinion on Thapa's best position.

“He’s more of an offensive player. He can improve by decision-making. It's very important and we will do this through the exercise because one player can have quality but his decision-making in games can change many situations. I don't believe that he thinks he’s the best. He’s with his feet on the ground and he doesn't fly.

“Of course, I will meet him in the training. He can improve his decision-making in some tactical things that we will work on. He's a very good player and has very good quality. So I think and believe that he can do more and I will be here to show him, to support him and to improve him,” he concluded.

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