If the team needs me, I will make myself available- Igor
Goa, December 28, 2020: A week earlier, there was another request for an interaction from the media for Igor Angulo. 8 goals in as many games in your very first season in the Indian Super League generally leads to this kind of attention.
Blighted with requests time and again Angulo’s reply to the task at hand was one that says more about the man than most actions that get highlighted on the television sets.
“I would prefer to not talk immediately ahead of the game, but if you need me, for the team, I will make myself available.”
Angulo’s impact on FC Goa has been immediate, prominent, and profound. There are just no two ways about it. The Spaniard has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in the league and yet his focus has always been on one thing – the team.
And time and again he dispels any extra praise heaped on him for his finishing touches at the head of FC Goa’s attacking schemes.
“I’m a striker. I must score goals, that’s my job and the best way I can help my team,” the forward remarked on his importance in the schematic that Juan Ferrando has laid out this season. “Everyone here has his own responsibility on the pitch, we are all equally important.”
A ‘team player’ is arguably one of the most cherished terms in a head coach’s dictionary. Igor Angulo personifies that; not only with his play but his attitude off it.
Back on track
The Gaurs seemed to have lost their momentum after consecutive defeats at the hands of ATK Mohun Bagan and Chennaiyin. Then against Jamshedpur it all seemed to be going awry as the Red Miners drew first blood thanks to a Stephen Eze goal in the first half.
Character, though, is something that this team is not short on. Playing for each other and for the name on the front of the shirt has been a characteristic of the new-look FC Goa side. That was brought to the fore as the Gaurs claimed points against Bengaluru and NorthEast from losing positions. And then against Mumbai, they dominated large portions of the game against Mumbai despite being a man down for more than a half of the game and looked the more likely to score for the first part of the second half.
That quality was again on show last Wednesday night.
A second half revival saw the Gaurs claim all three points when the referee sounded the final whistle. Leading the comeback yet again was the 36-year-old in FC Goa’s number 17 shirt. It was a performance that typified his first season with the Gaurs (where he has scored a goal for every 19.5 touches, he has taken).
With Angulo in the box, the Gaurs always have a chance and he showed that yet again.
“We had played better in previous games, but in our situation the most important thing was to get all three points that night. Getting the victories are crucial as they help build our confidence and that in turn affects our performance,” opined Angulo after the game.
“I told the guys that we just need to breathe easy and not be anxious. That we had to trust ourselves, because our chances will come. We have the quality. And it finally arrived and thankfully, we dispatched them in the second half. I am just glad that I played a role”
And what a role it was! After coolly slotting a penalty past TP Rehenesh in the Jamshedpur goal, Angulo delivered a 94th minute dagger with a header via the back of his head.
“I went to the first post with confidence, but I was very well marked and it was difficult to find the best contact to score,” recalls the current leader in the race for the ISL Golden Boot.
“Finally, I headed it the only way possible to score from that position. The happiness when I saw the ball in the net was incredible, more than for just myself, for the team. We needed that victory.”
Best yet to come
Under new head coach Juan Ferrando, the Gaurs have looked ever impressive in the middle of the park. Protecting the ball and retaining possession have taken an upswing.
However, with all the new faces, a curtailed pre-season and games coming at a swift pace, the jagged edges that still lie in regards to the Gaurs’ play in the final third has still room for further smoothening to help bring forth the kind of product Juan Ferrando would like to present.
“We need time to fine tune a few more things. The timing of our movements, the instincts of knowing where to play the ball for a certain person and when to time the runs,” the 36-year-old further elaborated. “The squad is new; we had a short preseason and everything needs time. I’m sure the best of FC Goa is yet to come.”
The general consensus has been that this team has so far only scratched the surface of their true potential. And that is what should excite all FC Goa faithful.
The new man in the number 17 shirt for the Gaurs has shown a penchant for delivering the perfect touch to lead it to the back of the net whether be through his favourite left foot, his chest or the back of his head. But more importantly, it’s his desire to do the utmost for the team, an attitude that not only helps him excel but also rub off on others to give their best.
A leader, a forward, a team player – how may ever you want to describe the man. He is all for the team.
Credits: FC Goa Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Indian legends recall memories of “best technical side of Asia”
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…