Having won four of their last five games, Chennaiyin FC are currently enjoying life in the top half of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 table. Sitting pretty in third spot with 12 points, Chennai have been equally adept in both defence and attack. Their Spanish playmaker Jaime Gavilan spoke to indiansuperleague.com ahead of Chennai’s highly anticipated southern derby against Kerala Blasters FC. The 32-year-old opened up about his team’s good run, and some personal titbits. Here are the excerpts.

If you had to sum up your football career in three words, what would they be?

I would say, experience, enjoyment, and happiness.

You have played senior level football for almost 15 years now, so what drives and motivates you every day?

I think I am a lucky man to be playing football. I have the best job in the world, so I enjoy myself in training every single day.

What is the one thing about the Hero ISL that surprised you the most as compared to the previous years?

I don’t know. This season we play with just five foreign players in the team, so we get to see more Indian players, which is more fun and exciting for the fans.

What are your thoughts on the southern derby against Kerala?

We are on the rise now, and are enjoying some good moments. We need to go step by step, and work game by game. I expect a win, of course, but for that, we need to work hard and play like we have in the previous games – very good in defence. I am sure we will have opportunities, because we have very good players.

It is the El Clasico week in Spain, so which team are you rooting for – Barcelona or Real Madrid?

Earlier, I used to support Real Madrid, because my father supported the same club, so it was easy for me. But now, Barcelona has the best player in the world in Leo Messi, and I really enjoy watching him play. So, I would say half and half.

Manchester United or Manchester City in the Premier League?

Manchester City, because I have friends there. David Silva was my teammate for many years in Valencia, so I prefer Manchester City.

Inter or AC Milan in the Serie A?

Inter, for the same reason. I have friends and teammates playing in Inter like Borja Valero, and I wish him all the best.

If you had to sum up the following players in one word or phrase, what would you say?

Inigo Calderon - Experience and hard work

Henrique Sereno - The Boss of Defenders

Jeje Lalpekhlua - Striker of India

Raphael Augusto - Brazilian Samba quality

Dhanpal Ganesh - Balanced midfielder

Coach John Gregory - Experienced tactician

Do you have any message for the fans?

I hope they look forward to the game, because we are on our way up, and for sure, we are going to continue winning, and I hope we can win the game.