ATK travel to Bengaluru to take on Bengaluru FC in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday. Tom Thorpe has been an ever present in the ATK backline and will once again have a role to play against the Blues’ formidable attack. The former Manchester United academy graduate spoke to indiansuperleague.com before the game and shed light on his stay in India as well as the upcoming fixture. Here are the excerpts.

How did you come around to making the decision of playing in the Hero ISL?

It was a conversation with manager Teddy Sheringham. Listening to his thoughts and plans, that’s what made my decision.

How has it been playing under his tutelage?

Obviously, you know the career he’s had. The experience that he’s got to pass down, I think a lot of people could gain something valuable form that. Being a United fan myself, I watched him playing for Man United growing up.

You’ve been in India for quite some time now. How has your experience been?

It’s been good, you know. Spent the first couple of months getting used to everything, now we’ve kind of settled in. I’ve become good friends with a lot of the local boys as well. The main thing for us is trying to gel on the pitch, which hopefully now is coming through.

You spoke about squad chemistry – which Indian player in your squad do you think will make it big?

It’s hard to name just one. I think it’ll be quite harsh as well because there are a lot of lads that are very good players, very technical players and hopefully they can have promising futures.

The next fixture is against Bengaluru FC away from home. What are your thoughts going into the match?

Like every game, it’s going to be a tough match. We are going to go there with a game plan and hopefully come home with the three points.