Chennaiyin FC host FC Pune City in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday. Youngster Anirudh Thapa has been happy with his involvement for the southerners this season and is confident about Chennaiyin continuing their unbeaten run against Pune. In an exclusive interview with indiansuperleague.com, the 19-year-old shared his thoughts on their upcoming clash against the Stallions. Here are the excerpts.

How does it feel to get playing time in this team and how important is it for your growth?

I’m quite young so I need more playing time. Chennayin were the first club to choose me and I love playing for them.

How difficult is it to follow head coach John Gregory’s football philosophy?

We need to adjust and he helped me a lot. He tells me every time what to do, how things are and the experienced players also are helping me a lot.

What made you choose football as a career option and what memory made you take up football seriously?

It was my brother. He used to play football. I started after him. My father let me follow his path. I don’t have a lot of memories. From my school days itself I started playing and I knew that I wanted to play football.

How has ISL revolutionized Indian football?

ISL is a good thing because it has improved the footballing standard and it’s good for Indian football.

Chennai have never lost a match against Pune. What are your thoughts on that?

We will continue our run and keep our hopes high and we will play our best.

Any message for the fans?

Keep supporting us as you’re our twelfth man on the ground. It gives us confidence.