Defending champions Bengaluru FC welcome rivals Chennaiyin FC to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday. The Blues are yet to win a game this season, having drawn all three of their league fixtures so far. However, that is still a better tally than the visitors, who have just one point from their three outings, and Carles Cuadrat’s men will take some satisfaction from the stat going into the game.

Prior to the clash, Bengaluru striker Manuel Onwu spoke to indiansuperleague.com in an exclusive interview. Here are the excerpts:

On your experience of playing in the Hero ISL.

My first impression is that it (the Hero ISL) is a competitive league. I think the country is getting better at football. I know cricket is important here, but football is going up, and it is good for the teams, and the people who like this sport, it is good for everyone.

How has the Spanish presence helped you settle in at Bengaluru FC?

Of course, I spoke with them (other Spanish players in the team). They told me about the city, about the league (Hero ISL). When I came here it was very easy to start, with the people, the city, I think it was very good for me.

On forming a partnership with Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh?

I know Udanta (Singh), and (Sunil) Chhetri who are playing now with me. They are very good players. Everyone knows about Chhetri, how good he has been for Indian football. Udanta is a young boy who has got very good qualities. When we start combining together, we will have a good season.

How eager are you to score your first goal for Bengaluru FC?

For a striker, it is always important to score goals because we live for the goals. If I score early, I will be calmer and relaxed, and the people will trust me. So, it is better to score as early as possible.

How are Bengaluru FC approaching the match against Chennaiyin FC?

I think it will be a very difficult match. We are training and working hard to get our first win, it is not far away. We have good sensations and now we have to get the three points.

On the vociferous support from Bengaluru FC fans.

I think they are incredible, the first game in Kanteerava (Stadium), it was impressive because I didn’t know so many people come to the stadium. The social media and everything else around the team is impressive. We have very good support. I hope they all come for every game to support us.

Read the Match Preview here.