EXCLUSIVE: We've a team to beat Mumbai City FC, says Goa striker Angulo

Angulo said the team's target is to register victory against Mumbai like any other team. The prolific striker conceded that Goa is fully capable to beat Mumbai.

Hyderabad: Igor Angulo, the new signing footballer from Spain, saved FC Goa's blushes after scoring twice in a span of just three minutes which meant Goa drew 2-2 against Bengaluru FC in their opening Indian Super League (ISL) encounter, at Fatorda Stadium in Margao on Sunday.

Filling in the big shoes of prolific striker Ferran Corominas, Igor still has a long way to go in the tournament. In an exclusive conversation with ETV Bharat, Igor talks about his goals against Bengaluru FC, his responsibilities as a striker and the upcoming match against Mumbai City FC on Wednesday.

Q. Two goals and you snatched Goa from the jaws of defeat. You scored a goal against Bengaluru using your chest. Did it happen by chance or was an improvised strike?

A. Because of the height at which the ball reached me, it was safest to use my chest. Most important is that the 2 goals helped the team to get an important point after all.

Q. Tell us about your habit of playing at the back of defensive line like Inzaghi.

A. I think it creates confusion in the defense and anything that can help, you have to take advantage of it. Football nowadays is very tight and any detail can be important.

Q. Being a striker, tell us about your responsibilities in the team and how are you planning to take the team forward?

A. Everyone in the team has to give his best and play its role in the best way possible. My role as a striker is to create chances, to assist and to score goals. I always work very hard for it.

Q. Today is a huge game too, against Mumbai City FC. What is your and your team's strategy?

A. To win. Like every single game. That's our target for this season. We know that they have created a very competitive team this season, but we have a good enough team to beat them.

Q. Tell us about your personal training and performance? Happy with it? Have you made your adjustments with the new team and its players?

A. I'm happy, I think everything goes in the right way. Obviously, we have a new team with new coach staff and this needs time. But we already are very competitive and in the near future we'll be even more.

Q. You are filling in the big shoes of Corominas, who is probably also your friend. Will it be easy?

A. I always had pressure in my career, I accept it and even I like it. My work and numbers are there, comparisons are always divisive and negative.

Q. How difficult is it to live in a bio-bubble and come out on the field and perform? How have you coped with it?

A. It's very difficult, but it's the same for all the players and teams. No excuses. We have to accept it and face it in the best way possible. This season, to have a strong mind could be a key to success.

-- By Ayushmaan Pandey