Iker Guarrotxena: Confident of achieving success with FC Goa
‘Hungry’ might just be the best way to describe Iker Guarrotxena’s attitude heading into the new season. With 14 goals and three assists, the 29-year-old helped his former club UD Logrones secure a place in the Primera Division RFEF (Spanish third-tier) promotion play-offs. And now, he is confident of helping the Gaurs bounce back as well.
In what was one of FC Goa’s most underwhelming campaigns ever, the Club finished ninth in the Indian Super League (ISL) last season. Since then, the squad has seen several changes, one of them being the arrival of Iker Guarrotxena. And now, the Athletic Bilbao graduate is looking forward to
“We have a beautiful squad. We’ll all be working together to win trophies, and I’m sure that this is going to be a wonderful season,” he said during an online interaction with journalists on Friday.
The Spaniard is a man with a plan. He is fully aware of what he wants to achieve and what he is capable of. The Spaniard did a fair amount of research before signing with FC Goa, as he himself revealed.
“I had spoken to a few players who have played for FC Goa and in the ISL previously. They all spoke about how the league was growing in stature. Everything that I heard about the Club was positive. I’ve noticed how they’ve performed consistently well over the years,” he added.
“Between all the offers I had, FC Goa gave me the best chance to win titles and that’s my biggest ambition. Hence, here I am now.”
Speaking to Carlos Pena was important
During the interaction, Iker Guarrotxena opened up on how the FC Goa head coach inspired him to join the Club.
“Speaking to Carlos Pena was an important part of my decision-making. Usually, it’s senior club officials who interact with a player – but when the coach involves himself directly, it becomes different and easier,” he said.
“Pena spoke to me about the Club, life in Goa, the team’s playing style, his own coaching philosophy and more. He made it clear that we will be working hard on the ball, which is what I like as well. I have to say a big thank you to him for his trust in me.”
So what can fans expect from Guarrotxena, the player?
“First and foremost, I’ll be a team player. I’m part of a good team. “As a team, we should achieve big things together, individual objectives come later,” the winger-forward remarked.
“I’m primarily here to help the team – but if you want me to talk about my abilities, that would be playing with the ball, creating goalscoring opportunities, and finishing. I feel I can be dangerous in our opponents’ final third.
“And now, I’m working hard in training keeping the club’s objectives in mind. I have to be the best version of myself for FC Goa once I’m there – it’s non-negotiable.”
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also, Read ‘Invincible’ Ambernath Utd – Atlanta FC lift Harwood Champions League title
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
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…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
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…