KOLKATA: In his first season in India,
Joseba Beitia
played an instrumental role in
Mohun Bagan winning the 2019-20
I-League
title. Quite expectedly, he became a favourite of the green and maroons supporters. The Spaniard is back in India this season, having joined I-League side Punjab FC.
Beitia speaks about his decision to join Punjab FC, his targets for this season and other aspects in a freewheeling interview.
Excerpts:Why did you decide to join Punjab FC?I'm very happy to be a part of RoundGlass Punjab FC. It's a great club and I know it has a fresh and exciting story ahead. I'm keen to start my training under (head coach)
Curtis Fleming
. He is a coach of high quality and reputation.
You were in talks with Indian Super League teams. Why did you decide to play in the I-League?I started getting good offers from the beginning of the transfer window. When Punjab FC called me, we spoke at length and they helped me understand the vision of the club and their approach to football. I was impressed with the vision of the club. I was very close to signing for an ISL team but after speaking to Punjab FC, I was convinced this is the right club for me. I think we can achieve great things together.
Did you have offers from outside India?I did have offers from some European countries and Bangladesh, but I was looking forward to coming back to India. I am really excited about the upcoming season with Punjab FC and I hope to give the Indian fans a good game.
You played a very important role in Mohun Bagan winning the I-League. So there will be a lot of expectations. What do you have to say about that? What is your target for the season?I know there will be a lot of expectations. I will try to help my team as much as I can with humility and my abilities, nothing less. We are focused on winning the league. The players have complete trust in the head coach and he too has the same on us.
Mohun Bagan and East Bengal
are not there in the I-League. So, which teams do you feel will be the main contenders for the title?In the I-League it's very competitive. Every battle will be crucial for us. All teams will come hard on us and we must be prepared for that.
The I-League will be played in Kolkata. Will that be an advantage for you?This city is crazy about football and they love me a lot. Now I want them to love my new team Punjab FC. The love I have been getting since the last season is incredible.
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