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Sandro Rodriguez, the Chennai City FC midfielder is undoubtedly one of the contenders for the I-League Midfielder of the Year Award for the 2018-2019 I-League season.
The 28-year-old Spaniard has contributed to Chennai City's attack as a dead-ball specialist and has helped the team overcome strong and fierce challenges.
He has played in all 17 games for Chennai City this season and has a jaw-dropping 7 goals and 4 assists to his name. He has also been extremely precise in his free-kicks which have hardly missed the target.
Sandro was part of the UD Las Palmas ‘B’ and CD Marino (Spanish Segunda Division) teams in Spain before making the switch to the Coimbatore-based Chennai City FC.
Sportskeeda caught up with the midfielder for an exclusive interview. Excerpts:
How did your career take off?
I started playing at the age of seven for the team of my town, Geneto FC. Four years later, I changed loyalties and signed with Sobradillo CF and from there, I went on to CD Tenerife, the representative team of the island where I was born.
They were playing for many years at the base of Tenerife until I had the opportunity to make my debut with the first team. Three years later, I went on to play for the other representative team of the Canary Islands, the UD Las Palmas.
It was there that I suffered a knee injury and had to go back to my island and play in a third division team, the UD Ibarra. There, I spent three seasons before coming to India, to Chennai City FC.
What convinced you to move out of Spain for the first time?
I thought it was a good opportunity to continue my football career. I thought I am at the right age and maturity to take this big step and come to India to do what I love. It helped a lot to come with three companions (fellow Chennai City teammates Nestor Gordillo, Pedro Manzi and Roberto Eslava), who I know for many years.
What did you think of Chennai City FC before signing the deal?
I had been told that it was a professional team, and also that it was beginning to consolidate itself in Indian football. I searched for information on the internet about the club and about the city and the country I was going to come to.
How is the style of football in Spain?
The style of football in Spain, as you may already know, is to control possession and try to get to the opposite goal while having the ball and building the attack. But there are also teams that play more directly. Not all teams play "tiki-taka".
You scored in the friendly match against Bengaluru FC. How did it feel to score against a top Indian club?
It was the first game in the pre-season and I really wanted to check the level of our team. We had been training for a long time and we had to play against one of the best teams in the Indian Super League (ISL).
We were lucky to beat them and I was able to score a goal. It was a very nice feeling, not only because I scored a goal but also for the victory and the good feelings that the team had.
What were your goals at the start of the season?
I wanted the season to start and see where we could be. We had been training and preparing for a long time but I did not know which players or which teams we were going to face because it was my first time here and I did not know any players.
How do you rate Chennai City FC's performances and what are your hopes for the season?
The club is doing a great job. First, by betting on players who came from as far away as us. Then, they tried to give us all the possible comforts so that we feel at home. For the Spaniards, that gesture was important. Now, with a few games left in the league, we are in a very good situation. Whether we win the I-League goes down to our performances and we do not depend on the results of other teams.
You have a great understanding with Pedro Manzi and Nestor Gordillo. What would you like to say about that?
With Manzi and Nestor, I understand the truth very well. We know what we play and in the field, we understand each other very well. Nestor and I know that we have to create the game and try to take the ball to Manzi so that he will take care of the job of scoring many goals. Things are going very well for us, and we hope that everything continues this way.
How do you compare the level of football in India and Spain?
I think one difference that Spanish players have noticed is the tactical aspect. In Spain, it is very important and we work a lot so that the team is tactically very orderly. The game of Indian football is more direct and there is less control of the game.
What has been the impact of coach Akbar Nawas?
The impact of coach Akbar Nawas has been very important. His way of understanding the game is very similar to ours. He likes to keep possession of the ball and play with short passes. That is why he has chosen us to come and play football in India. His philosophy fits our way of playing.
What would you like to say about the Indian players of CCFC?
They are young players and eager to learn, and that is the most important thing. They are always asking us questions and seeking our advice. They are very good guys and they will surely have a great future ahead of them.
You are called as the free kick specialist in India. What is the secret behind this?
It's true that they call me the free-kick specialist. Since my childhood, it has been the most important aspect in football for me. I learned a lot from my father, who was also a footballer and a specialist in free kicks. There is no secret, it is simply to train and train. I always practice 4-5 times in training.
Briefly tell us about your friends and family in Spain.
My family is very important to me. I had never been separated from them for so long and I miss them so much. When I go to my place, the first thing I do is visit them. The truth is that I can boast of having very good friends.
They are the same as always, with whom I grew up. I am very grateful for that and I want to go home to see them.
So far, which performance would you rate as your best and why?
In the game against East Bengal at Salt Lake Stadium, I think I did a good job. I scored my first free-kick goal and did a good job both with the ball and without the ball. It was a great match and a great result for us.
You are a fan favourite at Coimbatore. What message would you like to convey the fans?
The only thing I can say is 'thank you' for the support you give me every day. They are very affectionate and send me messages on social media daily to give me all the support. I'm very grateful.
