ISL 2021-22: It’s my job to give confidence to my players – Chennaiyin FC’s Anirudh Thapa

Chennaiyin FC captain Anirudh Thapa has stated that it is his job to give confidence to his players and motivate them to get the best out of the squad in the ongoing Hero Indian Super League 2021-22. Thapa, who started playing for Marina Machans in 2014 added that he is always there for his team when they need him.

The Indian midfielder added that it is his responsibility to add a shot in the arm to the players when they are feeling low on confidence during the match and guide them on the right path.

Chennaiyin FC has played 11 matches in the ongoing Hero ISL out of which they have won four matches and lost as many while they have drawn three games. Thus, they have 15 points under their belt and are currently placed in the sixth position in the standings.

Meanwhile, Thapa has led from the front as he has started in all 11 matches of the ongoing season and has played a total of 990 minutes. He has scored two goals while he has made 45 tackles, 23 interceptions, 22 blocks, and 12 clearances.

Reflecting on his role as the captain of the team, Thapa said as quoted by ISL official website, “You know, everyone is important, not just me. I think all eleven players on the pitch need to perform well. For me, I need to push the team, I need to motivate them to play, I need to make sure that when we’re having a difficult day or a bad game, I’m the first one to give them confidence that we can play well. If anyone is not playing well or if anyone is down, I’m the one who needs to keep and push them up because at the end it’s a team game and we all need to perform well”.

On the other hand, Thapa also added that set pieces are crucial in the modern game and the team must make the most of their chances from set pieces.

He added, “I think we need to score more goals especially in set-pieces because sometimes we don’t play well, sometimes we play well and are not able to score but set-pieces are one of the most important parts of the game where we have the opportunity to score if we’re strong. We can score and take advantage in these situations. So, yes, I think set-pieces are one of the most important parts of football”.

On the change in team’s formation with the return of Nerijus Valskis, Thapa added, “Whatever is happening is for the betterment of the team because the coach knows he has a style and we’re working on it. Whatever happens we will always give our best and the results will come”.

Chennaiyin FC will next face NorthEast United FC on 22nd January but the league’s last three matches have been postponed due to the emergence  of Covid-19 cases.