The U-17 World Cup Indian national, Komal Thatal, after delivering some mouthwatering  moments in the first 3 games, talks about his plans moving forward in the league, the chemistry amongst the squad and his feelings on facing his former club and Jamshedpur’s next opponent, ATK Mohun Bagan.

Here are the excerpts from the pre-match conference:

Thoughts on the results in our first 3 games of the season

We could have grabbed more points from these games but the positive side is that we are still unbeaten. Everyone is now focused to get going with the next game and that is a good sign regardless of the result.

On your plans to build up more after the fantastic performance in the first 3 games

I still have to work hard and get more results by scoring as many goals and assists as possible to help the team win the upcoming games. That is what I am looking forward to doing moving ahead and to work hard everyday in the training and on the pitch.

Feelings on facing the former team, ATK Mohun Bagan

No doubt that they are a good side and we have to work hard together. That being said, obviously I am going to give my best to help the team in the game.

What can the fan’s expect from Komal Thatal in this season?

I have to keep working hard for myself and for the team. I have to make myself appear on the scoresheet by scoring goals and assists to help the team walk out victorious in every upcoming game possible.   

Thoughts on the camaraderie and togetherness of the squad

It has been great so far. Both, on and off the field, we help each other out with whatever we are going through and we approach every game step-by-step to get better as a team. The camaraderie is definitely reflecting on the pitch as we saw in the previous game. Hyderabad FC were a good side but we played really well as a team despite not winning the 3 points. I believe that if we keep the same energy and momentum moving forward, then the 3 points will surely come our way.

Has the presence of former U-17 World Cup teammates helped you adjust better?

When you are familiar with someone on or off the pitch, it gets really helpful for a player. They know your game and style while you know theirs as well. So, when we play together, it’s a great feeling as it helps to analyse the situation and strategy of the team better.