Happy to see Indian sides coming to play here, says Aston Villa U-21s coach Josep Gombau

The Spaniard formerly managed Odisha FC and Delhi Dynamos in the ISL.

East Bengal and Punjab FC faced a familiar figure in Josep Gombau as the Spaniard was seen as the head coach for Aston Villa’s youth team. Josep Gombau will be taking the side to the UEFA Youth League this year and the Next Generation Cup was one of the preparatory hurdles for his team. 

The former ISL coach is now an understudy to the accomplished Unai Emery, but recognized his old opponents with a glint of approval.

On getting to face sides he once contested against in the ISL

Josep Gombau was elated at the sight of the ISL teams in the Next Generation Cup. The manager stated, “I was so happy when I got to know that a few Indian sides would be coming to play in our facilities here.

“I have a lot of good memories from my time there. Meeting people from India is always a pleasure as I love the country a lot. So yes, it was a good experience.”

On Reliance Foundation & Premier League’s partnership

Reliance Foundation and the Premier League’s collaborative efforts have allowed Indian teams to play alongside the youth setups of their English counterparts. Speaking about the potential that this venture could unlock for Indian youth, Josep Gombau replied, “It is a huge thing, especially for young Indians to come here and have this experience. I think it’s a important part of the players’ development. Playing in these kinds of games will eventually help them grow as footballers.

“It is also evident that India is progressing and interest in football is getting piqued. With each passing day, more people play the game and the academies are working very well to bring coaches from overseas and Europe to help them grow. I see a good future for India in football in the next few years.”

Which team impressed him the most? 

Josep Gombau was impressed with the competing Indian sides, as he was not only reminded of the ISL but saw a newfound hunger in the players. He noted, “I think we played against Punjab and East Bengal but not Muthoot (FA).

“I think they all did well and you can see the passion with which they played. Both were difficult games because they were clear about what to do. The coaches are working well and I would like to congratulate the teams for their performance.”

His time in India

Josep Gombau had spent time with Odisha FC since when the club were known as Delhi Dynamos. After two seasons at the club, the manager left for a brief spell citing family problems and returned to Odisha FC’s helm for another season in 2022. Recounting his experience, Gombau stated, “I have fond memories of my time in the country as I enjoyed it a lot.

“Not just me, my family would say the same as we enjoyed our time in India. Especially the last year with Odisha was memorable as we played in the playoffs and the finals. We left a lot of good friends back there, hoping to return one day and see them again.”

Keeping in touch with players he worked with in India

The mentor has been in touch with his former players and mentioned how their bond with him has remained the same over the years.

He let us in on a bit more of behind-the-scenes news as he also mentioned, “Oh yes, I am in touch with the players. They are great and as you know, we work with them all the time. This morning, one player texted me to say that he left Odisha and moved to another club.”

Unfinished business in India 

The tactician had a memorable time in India, but was unable to win any trophies with either Delhi Dynamos or Odisha FC.

Speaking about a possible return to attend to unfinished business, he hinted, “India is a country that has been part of my journey. You never know what will happen in the future. For now, I’m happy here but you know what they say in football: if you have an open mind you’ll always have a spot.”

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