ISL Interview: NEUFC goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas hails Ibrahimovic as the best striker he has played against

Alexandros Tzorvas in action during an Indian Super League fixture.

If not for Greek goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas, Greece wouldn’t have been able to withstand the Ukrainian attack over two legs during a World Cup playoff back in 2009. Five years later, Tzorvas now is in India as he proves to be one of the best performers in the Indian Super League as he takes over the gloves for the NorthEast United FC.

Coming from a 1-0 victory in their opening match against Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United succumbed to a rather disappointing 2-0 defeat to Atletico de Kolkata at home on Thursday.

Speaking in an interview with Sportskeeda, Tzorvas talks about his experience in the country, playing in the Serie A and much more.

Q: How was it like being the hero for the team in the opening fixture? The fans already love you here.

A: The most important thing for me is that our team NEUFC win this league; it would be fantastic if our defence could keep the opposite team at score nil. After a long career in football a good or bad performance does not affect me personally, I feel that I stay the same. I am very happy for the fans and I believe that all players have a surreal experience when we know the supporters of the team love us.

Q: At the age of 32, you are still at the prime stage of your career. Where do you see yourself post the ISL?

A: Honestly I don’t have an idea where I will be after this league. I like taking my career one step at a time. In my opinion, we cannot schedule a plan for ourselves. It’s a strange world and a lot of unexpected things happen. I am still young and I feel physically strong because I try to work hard every day. My idea is to continue to play good football for a lot of years, but I don’t know where, like I said before as schedules are not planned.

Q: You have played in the Serie A which is one of the toughest leagues in the world. How hard was it there for you?

A: Serie A is a very strong championship, as you said its one of the top five championships in the world. I want to be honest with you, and so I can tell you this, Serie A is very difficult for the foreigner players and more for the goalkeepers. That’s because Italy has a theory of Goalkeeping School and they want to support Italian players. It’s good for them but not for me!

Imagine I lose my position in Palermo because I don’t speak their language. So it was very hard, not only the competition but otherwise also.

Tzorvas had spent two seasons in Italy before returning to Greece in 2

Q: What ís the most important thing you’ve learned over your whole goalkeeping career?

A: The most important thing I have learnt is I should keep the goal zero, and work very very hard every single day. Everybody believes the goalkeeper is an easy position to play because you don’t run around the pitch. But the position requires you to concentrate for 90 minutes. If you lose this focus even for a second you can lose to the other team. To play this position, you should be an athlete, mentally strong and focused.

Q: How did you find your move to India and the style of football to be different from that in Greece or Italy?

A: The Hero ISL is a new championship. Every new competition is a new story.

But I am surprised because I didn’t expect to see full stadiums and such passionate crowds. The biggest bet for the Indian confederation is to become successful and acceptable as football in India. And the first betting is already winning! It is different because everything is new for us, the championship is small and there are a lot of games during a short period. I feel like I am participating in a mini World Cup!

Q: Who is the most feared striker you have ever played against?

A: I would say Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In truth, I have played with all the biggest names in football but Ibrahimovic is very talented and athletic, he is strong with great technique.