Igor Angulo: I like to feel as an important player in the team

The Spanish forward along with vice-captain Lenny Rodrigues spoke about their preparations for the upcoming season.

FC Goa finished at the top of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2019-20 standings, enabling them to become the first team from the competition to directly qualify for the group stage of the AFC Champions League. The team have now appointed a new coach in Juan Ferrando, who replaces Sergio Lobera, as the latter has shifted base to Mumbai City FC along with several star players from the Gaurs. Recently, the duo of Lenny Rodrigues and new recruit Igor Angulo spoke to the media ahead of the start of the new season.

They spoke at length about several topics when the club held an interaction on Friday. Rodrigues is the vice-captain and one of the best defensive midfielders in India. Angulo, on the other hand, is a new arrival in the ISL.

The striker signed a one-year contract and has played for the likes of Athletic Bilbao and CD Numancia in his career. Talking about his first impressions in regard to football in India, he said, “First impressions are good, we have a good squad. The work with the physical trainers is also going good. We have two more weeks' time to improve."

The Spaniard also talked about his experience while staying in the bio-bubble. He was quoted as saying, “Of course, it is difficult to be in this position. Outside, the people are dying, we are grateful to be able to be healthy and to do our jobs. We are safe and that’s the most important thing. We know how the situation is all around the world. My wife and my daughter are here with me. From the beginning, we knew this was going to be like this and it is super important for my family (to be together)."

Lenny also spoke about having to adjust to the new normal and said that it is particularly tough because even while staying in Goa, they cannot meet their immediate families. He summed up his thoughts by stating, “We have to adjust and (adhere to) whatever guidelines the league has given. This is life and you have to go on. We have to adjust ourselves and be mentally strong.”

Further, Igor Angulo was asked if he has been impressed by the Indian talent in his early days and if any domestic player has caught his eye. He responded, “For me, it is difficult to say because we have only been training for two weeks and only played two games. Also, this is my first club in India and I don’t know the level of football here.”

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Moreover, Lenny Rodrigues talked about Angulo and his early influence on the domestic players saying that the Spaniard is like a big brother on the field. “All of the youngsters, they have to learn from the overseas players because they have great experience,” he was quoted as saying. 

FC Goa fans are lamenting the departure of Ferran Corominas and will expect Igor Angulo to fill his boots. Upon being asked about being compared to is compatriot, Igor Angulo said, “I like it. To feel like an important player in my team. I have been an important player in my teams in the last many years, so here also it’s a challenge for me to give my best. FC Goa is the best club here in India and I take this pressure as something which is good for me. I hope to win the championship and the playoffs. I am also delighted to play in the Champions League."

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The Spanish striker also shed light on what the fans can expect from him in the upcoming season. “Fans can expect from me to be committed and obviously since I am a striker, I will try to help the team in scoring goals. I did it last year in Poland and this is a good chance for me in a different continent. My aim is simple and it is to keep creating chances for my teammates and keep scoring goals.”

The whole of ISL 2020-21 will be played in Goa, but it does not automatically mean advantage for the Gaurs and this is something Lenny Rodrigues also talked about during the interaction. He said, “It is very difficult for us to play without the fans because they are the 12th man that motivate us and create a very good atmosphere. It's a new challenge for everyone. Even though we are playing at home, it will still be difficult for FC Goa.”

“It will be difficult for all the teams and they will struggle because of the gap we have had before the start of the season. We just want to be fit enough to give our 100%,” he concluded.

FC Goa kickoff their campaign against Bengaluru FC on November 22, 2020.