Anirudh Thapa points out what Chennaiyin FC lacked last season

The star midfielder was speaking at the club's new kit launch on Saturday.

Anirudh Thapa assured that the team is working hard to make the upcoming 2022-23 season a better one after two consecutive below-par seasons. He also spoke on new head coach Thomas Brdaric's work ethic and the team's expectations on the upcoming Durand Cup.

Thapa was speaking on the sidelines of the club's kit launch for the new season. The two-time ISL champions launched their fan-designed kits for the upcoming edition of the Indian Super League. Club's co-owners Vita Dani and Abhishek Bachchan were also in attendance during the jersey launch in Chennai.

Here are the excerpts from the interaction with Anirudh Thapa.

Thomas Brdaric’s Work Ethics

Thapa was all praise for Chennaiyin FC's new head coach Thomas Brdaric. He said, “He is hardworking. He likes us to run. That’s what we were lacking in the last season. So that’s a positive sign as well because of the fitness.

Thapa also reflected on the climate that’s affecting the players' fitness and performances. He also stated that the coach is pushing the players hard to ensure they stay fit. “It is difficult for us to adjust to this climate. It’s humid, it’s hot and he’s working to make us all stay fit.

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Areas the players are working to improve

Chennaiyin FC are currently running a camp at the Ramachandra College ahead of the Durand Cup. Speaking on the areas the team is currently working on, Thapa stated that the focus is on fitness as the players need to adapt to the climate and stay fit.

“Right now, we’ve just started and it’s more on our fitness because the climate is not that the players are used to it. As I said, it’s humid & hot. We’re playing in the early afternoon. So it's difficult. The players are adjusting. So right now, the focus is on fitness.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfhDoF7xXLs

Importance of Durand Cup

The Dehradun-born footballer highlighted the importance of the Durand Cup for the team. He said the Durand Cup will serve as a platform for the players to gel on and get to know each other better. This would help them perform better during the 2022-23 ISL season. 

“For us it is important. We have a new team, the foreigners are new. We need the game time to gel and to get used to it and get used to the style that the coach wants us to have. Also, Rafa was out. He also needs that gametime so I think these matches are important to get together, to get along for the players.”

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Will the performance in the Durand Cup impact the performance in the ISL?

Chennaiyin FC midfielder Anirudh Thapa had a straightforward answer when asked if the performance at the Durand Cup would affect the team’s performances in the ISL. 

“No no, I don’t think so because the Durand Cup is different. ISL is different. We know the value of ISL. We know what we’ll be playing, what all teams we’ll be playing and that’s Durand Cup for us. Obviously, it is important. It’s not that we’re just playing for fun. It's important but it is more of how we need to get to know each other. What all we need to do to perform in ISL. That’s more important.”

Chennaiyin FC’s squad this season

Anirudh Thapa spoke about Chennaiyin FC’s squad for the upcoming season. He also stated that there is positive energy in the youngsters and the coach is also working hard with the team.

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Chennaiyin FC have several Indian players in their ranks and also have a few senior experienced players on their side. Excluding Brazilian midfielder Rafael Crivellaro, five new foreign players will ply their trade for the Marina Machans in the upcoming season.

“This year we have a young squad. You know the whole structure is changed and the coach is working hard so it’s a positive sign because of the energy that the young boys have. So that is one of the plus points we’re having right now.”

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Below-par previous seasons

Chennaiyin FC player Anirudh Thapa spoke about the club’s poor run of form over the last couple of seasons. He also reflected on his performance for Chennaiyin FC during the last two years.

Thapa will look to perform better in the upcoming season. His aim would be to win matches and bag three full points for his team. He said, “I’ve to work harder to achieve those goals, especially when it comes to assists or goals because in the end we’ve to win. We need those three points.”

Speaking of the previous season, the team wasn't happy with the results and so were the others associated with the club. 

“Obviously, it was not a good season. Not only for me but for the team, for the management and for the fans. We’re disappointed with the performance we had last season. We are working hard. We know our strengths and weaknesses. So yes, we will work on that and we will be ready to give our best."

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