Spanish influence will help grow India's level in football: Odei Onaindia

Onaindia says he admires Pique, Puyol & Ramos

In 2020, a Spanish defender set sail towards India. He stayed here for a season, went back to his native country and again returned. The centre-back shifted clubs recently too. People were amazed with the quality he had in his arsenal. But no one ever questioned, “Why is his surname Onaindia?”.

Yes, you have guessed it right. After ending the Durand Cup 2023 on a positive note, and starting the ISL 2023-24 season in fine tune, FC Goa’s defensive shield Odei Onaindia sat down with Khel Now for an exclusive chat.

Starting from his surname, which consists ‘India’, to the footballing culture of Basque, to his partnership with Sandesh Jhingan at Goa, Odei Onaindia shared it all with us.

What about the surname?

Onaindia is a surname which consists the name of a country. This is something which is uncommon and usually not seen around at least in India. The defender himself sheds light on the topic, “It’s my father’s surname. In Spain, we first have our father’s surname. This surname hails from the town from which I am. It’s a small town and the surname Onaindia is very common there.”

Influence from Josu Urrutia

Josu Urrutia is a former Spanish player who spent his entire playing career at Athletic Bilbao. Even after retirement, he served as the President of the club. When asked if Odei Onaindia has ever interacted with Urrutia or if he has terms with him, the former said, “No, I haven’t interacted with him. I know people of his family. He’s usually not there in Lekeito but mostly in Bilbao. So I don’t know him personally.”

Role models

Odei Onaindia seemed joyful while sharing about his role models. However, he clarified that he doesn't have any idols, but rather players whom he looks up to!

“Yes, I had some role models from my town. Some of them play for Athletic Bilbao or Real Sociedad or Barcelona. I grew up playing against them when I was young,” Odei Onaindia mentioned.

“I don’t have any idol. But I had admiration towards some players when I was young. Pique, Puyol, Sergio Ramos are a few who played for Spain and did very well. I grew up watching them. Some of them have retired. But they were the players whom I looked up to,” he added.

Footballing culture in Basque

The Basque country is an autonomous entity situated in northern Spain. In 1978, it was granted nationality within Spain.

When asked how different is the footballing culture or philosophy in Basque compared to that of southern or central Spain, Onaindia replied, “In Bilbao, the philosophy is that players who play for the club belong to Basque. This is an amazing philosophy because we all belong to the place. Only one team follows this which is Athletic Bilbao. When I was young, I was a part of the youth teams as well.”

Coming to India from Spanish second tier

Already plying his trade in the Spanish second tier, the question arose that why Onaindia chose to step out from the league and come to India, a country which is not a footballing powerhouse but rather under development.

“I wanted to experience and explore a new country. India was a country I like to be in. I was here in the past (2020-21), then last season I again came back. It was a good season in Hyderabad. I like the culture of India. And I want to continue growing in India,” the defender stated.

Foreigners creating difference

It is widely believed among the Indian football vertical that in general it's the foreign players who create the major difference and enhance the quality of a particular side. Onaindia holds the same belief but his answer highlights the foreigners' point of view as well.

He mentions, “It’s true foreigners come here from different levels from other countries. They are improving the Indian players and increasing their level. From when I arrived and now, you can see their growth, for example from the national team. The foreigners are also learning. It’s good for football. Like this we can increase the level and be more competitive.”

Spanish influence in Indian football

If closely looked at the Indian Super League, which is the top tier in Indian football, we'll notice most of the foreign players are being scouted from Spain. When asked about his views of the Spanish influence in India, Onaindia said, “There are a lot of Spanish players and coaches here. Maybe the Spaniards like the experience here. For India it’s good because most of them have good playing and coaching experience. It will help grow India’s level in football.”

Striker problem for national team

'Who after Sunil Chhetri?' This has now become a household question for every Indian football fan. It's true there's no player to replace him in the striker role. But what can be a good antidote? A new philosophy? Implementing a False No.9? Or something else?

Onaindia says, “Football is changing. Modern coaches are trying the change the football systems. It’s good to try all kind of systems and try and playing all players in all positions. This will increase the levels of the players. The federation can implement the False No.9 or any other different system. The players will also know how to play in different positions.”

Relationship with Sandesh Jhingan

Finally, before ending the chat, Odei Onaindia revealed how his relationship with comrade Sandesh Jhingan is and how they are working to achieve the best for FC Goa.

“It’s very good. It’s important to have a good relationship off the pitch because this will help us on the pitch. When I played against him previously, he was difficult to beat. I am happy to play alongside him here. I am also learning from him. We have to know each other and play well together.”