FC Goa kick-start their 2018-19 campaign of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) with an away encounter against NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Monday. The Gaurs have retained much of their stellar squad from last season, except Manuel Lanzarote. However, they have brought in Miguel Palanca to replace the departed midfielder in attack and the Spaniard would be raring to get the season started.

Ahead of their first clash of the season, Palanca spoke exclusively to indiansuperleague.com on his team’s chances as well as his time in India so far. Here are the excerpts.

Tell us what brought you into the world of football.

My father was a professional football player and played in Spain in the second division. In many teams in the second division and in Espanyol in the first division, and when I was a kid I bonded with the ball. I started to play football, I enjoyed a lot and finally, I’m here.

How was your club’s pre-season?

I think we did a very good job. The most important thing in pre-season is to be ready physically and to be ready for the first game. For the championship, this is the most important part. I think we did very good things. I saw very good Indian players. For me, it was a big surprise because I never saw Indian football and I think we did very good things.

What can we expect from your team this season?

I think the last year they had a very good season. The coach is the same and the coach has a very good style of football. It’s like Spanish football and I think that we’re expected to play good football and of course, try to win the games, but we have one style and we want to follow this style. 

Who do you think can be the key players in your team?

I think the most important thing for FC Goa is not to have one key player. I think we are a very good team, we have a good understanding between us and I think this is the secret. I think every player can play in the first eleven, every player can show very good things when coming off the bench and I think this is the secret. We are a team and everybody can play.

What do you like about your position?

I like attack. It doesn’t matter if I play left, right, no.10 or striker. I like attack and in every position, I feel comfortable.

On his favourite player.

My favourite player always was Raul Gonzalez from Real Madrid. For me, he is a big example for all kids. He is an amazing player, he has very good skills, but he is the first in training to show the other players how they have to work. For me, I had the pleasure to train with him and to play with him and for me, he is the best example to show the kids and other players what you have to do to play in the first division in Spain.

On his time in India.

At the moment, it’s very good. I’m enjoying a lot, my family is so happy here, I have my kids here and I’m so happy. At the moment, the food is a little bit spicy, but I like spicy and at the moment, I don’t have any problem in my stomach and I’m so happy. I’m so excited to start the championship and to show India that we have a very good team and we can do very good things.