After a dodgy start to their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 season, ATK have started to find their rhythm back, picking up four points from the last couple of games. The two-time champions will now host current title-holders Chennaiyin FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium on Friday.

Ahead of the titanic clash between the two former champions, indiansuperleague.com conducted an interview with ATK teenager Komal Thatal. Here are the excerpts:

On his Hero ISL experience so far.

It’s good. It’s going well, I’m gaining more experience and there have been new things to learn so yeah, it’s on track. 

On playing under Steve Coppell

It’s good when someone trusts you and puts you on, you just give everything. You just close your eyes, think what you have to do, what he tells you to do, you follow him and work for him. 

On ATK’s momentum.

Yeah, it’s good. We play as a team, we work as a team off the pitch and on the pitch. So, yeah, it’s going well. So, hope the same results continue favoring us.

Do you think this is the best time to play Chennaiyin FC?

Yeah, I hope so because last season they were really good. They were the champions and this season for every team it’s a new chance, everyone can be a champion. Let’s hope for the best.

On his favorite winger growing up.

I used to watch Coutinho and Neymar when I was young, they were young at that time. They used to play for Santos and U17 Brazil national team. I followed them for a while, when they play I see everything. They play with happiness and they enjoy football. So, I followed them, and I want to become like them hopefully one day.