Alvaro Vazquez, FC Goa’s newest signing, made his intentions clear in his first press conference since leaving Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters – the trophies.
“What we are aiming for is to try and win trophies, but not individual titles, but collective titles. That’s the main focus and I’m pretty sure if we hit those levels we’ll win titles as a team,” he told the press.
The 31-year-old had an impressive season with the Kerala Blasters last year with eight goals and the highest number of shots on target (32) in 23 matches.
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Against NorthEast United, he made headlines with a stunning header from just outside the line (59 yards) to score the longest goal in ISL history.
With him leading the line with Argentina’s Jorge Pereyra Diaz, the club reached the final for the third time, but lost to Hyderabad FC on penalties, becoming the only club to lose the final. three times.
On the other hand, FC Goa has taken a slightly different trajectory in terms of titles. The Bulls have lost twice in the finals, but have won the League Winners Shield, Durand Cup and Indian Super Cup once.
It became the first ISL team to play in the AFC Champions League. That team has the current head coach, Carlos Pena as a player, along with another Spaniard, Vazquez with a history in Spain – Ferran Corominas, commonly known as ‘Coro’ .
Coro and Vazquez shared a dressing room for Espanyol while the team was being managed by current Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino.
“I remember what I meant when we were in the dressing room that he was a player who played more on the wing, who would come out more through the spaces inside, there were a lot of him who were very quick and a great player. players enter. pretty much boxing and thinking, and I think he proved it in India. “
Corominas, Vazquez’s former teammate, is playing for FC Goa in the 2018/19 Indian Super League. – HINDU TRAINERS
Coro went on to become one of the most successful foreign players in league history, scoring 48 goals in three seasons for FC Goa.
Having left the league two years ago, he remains the third highest scorer in the ISL, behind Bartholomew Ogbeche (53 goals) and Sunil Chhetri (51 goals).
“I want to help the team as much as I can. Hopefully I can try and get to the same level as he did. I’m just trying to do what’s best for my team to try and help Goa win as many titles as I can,” Vazquez said.
Vazquez was expected to fill the void left by Goa No 9 Jorge Ortiz, who finished last season as Goa’s top scorer (season 2021-22), but has left club to Chinese Super League club Sichuan Jiuniu.
FC Goa had a tumultuous season last year, when head coach Juan Ferrando switched allegiance to ATK Mohun Bagan mid-season when the club were in the bottom half of the table.
The team that reached the semi-finals of the 2020-21 season ended the campaign in third place from the bottom, with 12 points less than last season. That’s where Vazquez’s attacking prowess will turn to turn things around as the club are looking for greener days in the coming season.
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Former Spain Under-21 international adds to the list of Spaniards already in the squad, along with Edu Bedia and Goa head coach and former player Pena.
“I think it will be huge because obviously the coach has played in this tournament and knows that quite well.
“Also, the fact that there are so many players in the team, local players and a few foreigners who have played with this team will also help us because we will know what physically. and what’s tactical. Expected from us to be successful in this tournament,” he said.
“I don’t feel any extra pressure on myself to score goals or to match other people’s achievements in the past. What I really want to work towards is to try and help the team as much as I can. “
