Talking to Igor Angulo: Set to lead a new era at FC Goa

FOOTBALL

Starting off his career with Athletic Bilbao, Igor Angulo has gone on to play for Numancia, Gimnàstic de Tarragona and Real Union in Spain. Outside his home country, he has appeared for French side AS Cannes before spending his time in Greece, Poland and Cyprus was has just signed for FC Goa this summer.

The newest addition to the attacking arsenal of FC Goa is the 36-year old Igor Angulo. From the birthplace of Tiki-Taka, Angulo is one of the oldest players in the team. But, he aged like fine wine, and he believes that the last few years are his best. With 88 goals for his former club Gornik Zabrze, his numbers speak for himself. The 36-year-old striker leaves no room for complacency and is keen for a new challenge.” I was feeling so comfortable and relaxed in Poland. Moving is the best option”, he said.

Angulo is ready to lead FC Goa after Coro’s departure.

Angulo also confirmed that Ferran Corominas will not feature in the FC Goa setup – “Coro is not part of the team anymore, so we have to look into the future.”

What is more challenging than being a replacement for the all-time highest goal-scorer in the league? As the saying goes, “Take the bull by the horns” – Angulo did it one better by joining the Gaurs (The Bull).

The Bilbao-born striker has great respect for his fellow countrymen, whom he had shared the pitch in his Under-21 nationals.”Corominas is a legend in the team”, he said. For the Polish league top-scorer, filling Coro’s shoes is something to be embraced rather feared.
“I’m used to playing under pressure, and Coro’s absence will not affect the way Goa plays.”

Talking about FC Goa’s Indian contingent.

The former Athletic Bilbao player feels the Spanish influence is not the only reason to be a part of the two-time runners up. “The coach is a Spaniard, and I loved the facilities, the city, the style of play which is similar to Spain”, he added. But the Fatorda-based team is not only about their foreigners and the striker feels the same – “The most talented Indian players are in the FC Goa. And the key to success is them.”

This season of ISL will take place in Goa behind closed doors. So the renowned Gaur Army, FC Goa’s official supporters’ club will be a no-show in the stands. “It will be strange and difficult for every team. But we need to adapt to the changes. We won’t have the power of fans, but there is no excuse. We have home advantage and need to make the most of it”, Angulo believes.

He considers that he has an important role to play in the team and feels that he has seen every obstacle in his career – “I spoke with both the coach and team management, and they wanted me to provide quality to the attack. I feel that my role is not only about scoring goals. My experience is unique, and I will help the team with my experience.”

Major objectives for the season.

It is no brainer to say that FC Goa is the most consistent team in the league. The striker hopes to end the title drought this season. “The success of the club is clear. One thing is winning the league- but we have to take it game by game without looking too much into the future. The main objective is to qualify for semis and then finals, taking one game at a time”, he continued.

Going into the AFC Champions League as the first Indian team, Angulo believes to have a significant impact in the tournament – “It is one of the reasons to play for FC Goa. I love playing against the best teams and hope to do well in the competition.”

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