Guillermo Fernandez highlights 'competitiveness' in ISL ahead of Punjab FC clash

The Spanish forward has scored nine goals and provided two assists.

Guillermo Fernández Hierro, the Spanish forward of NorthEast United FC, spoke about his playing experience in the Indian Super League (ISL) and his club experience during the pre-match conference held in Guwahati on 9th January. The Highlanders will face Punjab FC on 10th January at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati.

In July 2024, NorthEast United FC announced the signing of the 31-year-old Guillermo Hierro. The Spanish forward debuted for the club in the 133rd Durand Cup against Bodoland FC on 30th July 2024.

He scored his first goal against the BSF team and contributed significantly to the Highlanders’ first trophy with five goals, including one in the championship match against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant and two assists in the competition.

About NorthEast United FC

Answering a question from Khel Now about playing outside Spain for the first time, Guillermo said it was easy for him as there were many people from Spain in the team squad as well as in the training staff. “It is easy. Before joining, I knew Míchel Zabaco, Néstor Albiach, and the fitness coach of the club, Javier Caballero Guillén. We have Spanish staff and players.”

“All the Indian players are very good people. For me, this is very important, and it’s the reason it’s easy for me. When I arrived here, I found a family, and I am very happy to be here,” Guillermo Fernandez added.

Playing experience in ISL

Guillermo played his first ISL match against Mohammedan FC. He failed to score in the first three matches, and against FC Goa, he came on as a substitute but couldn’t continue after sustaining an injury. The Spanish striker was out for the next two games.

He made a comeback against Odisha FC and scored the winning goal for the Highlanders. Against Punjab FC, he scored the opening goal, and against Hyderabad FC, he scored two goals and helped the Highlanders make a comeback.

Speaking about the league’s competitiveness, Guillermo opined that in the ISL, the difference between clubs is minimal, and every team can beat any other team.

The league is extremely difficult because there is little difference between teams, he explained. “You can win against any team, and any team can beat you. If you have a bad day or are not focused, you can have problems.”

Difference between Spain and Indian Football

Guillermo Fernández made his first-team debut in La Liga in 2013 for Athletic Bilbao. Later, he played for different Spanish teams such as Elche, CD Numancia, and Cultural Leonesa.

Answering a question from Khel Now, Guillermo Fernandez said, “Football culture is different everywhere. Everywhere, every place has different players and different teams. Here, there are very good players with good skills. In India, the games are different, but it’s normal.”

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