In an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda, Anirudh Thapa spoke about the I-League, the possible inclusion of East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan, the evolution of the ISL, roster changes in Chennaiyin FC, the club’s fans, season plans and Uttarakhand football.

Thapa played at I-League club Minerva Punjab FC in the 2016-17 season on loan from Chennaiyin FC. He played 14 games for the Warriors and scored a goal. Minerva Punjab survived the relegation battle over Mumbai FC as the eventual champions of India finished 9th in their debut I-League season.

When asked about the differences between the organisation of the ISL and the I-League, Anirudh Thapa said:

With the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) having floated tenders for an 11th Indian Super League team in the 2020-21 edition, the inclusion of East Bengal FC looks a few days away. The Red and Golds will join the newly merged entity ATK Mohun Bagan in the ISL.

When asked about the inclusion of the two Kolkata giants in the upcoming season, Anirudh Thapa said:

The Indian Super League has expanded to a six-month-long league from a two-to-three-month affair. The league also has two continental slots (AFC Champions League Group Stage and AFC Cup play-offs) and has witnessed a decrease in the number of foreigners over the years.

Anirudh Thapa expressed pleasure on the steady evolution of the league. He said:

Chennaiyin FC’s new Romanian-Hungarian head coach Csaba Laszlo will replace outgoing English head coach Owen Coyle. The team has only interacted on a video conference, focussing on team introduction. The pre-season will start in October at Goa with the Indian roster. Anirudh Thapa said:

We still have Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rafael Crivellaro upfront: Anirudh Thapa on the change in core Chennaiyin FC players

Anirudh Thapa also spoke about the player overhaul at Chennaiyin FC and heaped praise on Nerijus Valskis and Rafael Crivellaro.

Nerijus Valskis scored 15 goals for Chennaiyin FC in the 2019-20 edition and emerged as the ISL Golden Boot winner. Valskis combined with Rafael Crivellaro upfront and formed a lethal attacking duo. Their exploits were pivotal to the comeback trail of Chennaiyin FC where they qualified for the top four after being at the bottom of the standings for the majority of the league. With Valskis leaving for Jamshedpur FC, however, the two players are now separated.

When asked if the change in the core players upfront will affect the side’s prospects in the 2020-21 season, Anirudh Thapa said:

Anirudh Thapa also praised Chennaiyin FC fans for their unparalleled support in the team’s home games:

When asked about the possible reasons behind the lack of football clubs coming up in the National Leagues circuit from Uttarakhand, Anirudh Thapa focussed on the lack of tournaments and matches in the state. He said:

Anirudh Thapa is focusing on his present challenge as a young footballer and has set no long-term goals yet. He wants to learn and get better. He emphasised:

The interview concluded with Anirudh Thapa recalling the most memorable moments in his playing career so far:

0 votes