FC Pune City have made some shrewd acquisitions ahead of the new season starting on Saturday as they look to break into the top four of ISL 3. The Stallions have roped in the former Atletico de Kolkata manager, Antonio Habas but have received a blow as their marquee player, Eidur Gudjohnsen has a suffered a major injury which will make him miss the entirety of this season.
The Orange Army must not be disheartened though as Pune City have acquired many exciting and talented foreigners in Bruno, Apoula Edel and most importantly the Spanish duo of Jesus Tato and Pitu. Pune's new signings spoke with Sportskeeda about coming to India and the challenges ahead.
Jesus Tato is a former Barcelona academy player who has played a lot of his career in Spain and has played in almost all the divisions of Spanish football with his latest stint coming in the Moroccan league. The 33-year-old can play on the wing and also as a striker and this versatility makes him a deadly option for Habas this season.
Also Read: ISL 2016: Can Coach Habas repeat ATK's success mantra with FC Pune City?
Josep Crous or simply Pitu is a Spanish midfielder who played all his career in Spain and has represented Barcelona in all the age groups. Along with some strong Indian midfielders, Pitu can complement well with the attackers and is a free kick specialist.
Here's how the conversation went with the Spanish duo who are going to be an integral part of Pune City's quest to glory:
What made you choose FC Pune City and most importantly India as your next destination?
Pitu: I have spent my entire playing career in Spain and wanted to enjoy a new learning curve. This being a short league won't be as taxing as playing in Spain but I'm taken aback by the brilliant facilities that are on display here. Another main reason of taking this big step was because of so many Spaniards being present in the league.
Tato: I have played predominantly in Spain and recently played in Morocco and wanted to have some new experience. The way Pune City approached me made sure that I was taking the right step in signing up for them. Bruno, who has played the first two seasons in ISL advised me to not think otherwise and come to India.
Just like Pitu, I am impressed by the level of professionalism that is being shown by players and club alike.
What is it like working with such an experienced manager in Antonio Habas?
Pitu: Along with the tactical things and strategies, Habas has managed to create a close unit here at Pune which will enable us to go a long way this season.
Tato: Habas treats the squad as his own family and working with such an experienced manager who has coached at Valencia and worked with Rafa Benitez at Liverpool has been a pleasure.
It is well known that you can play anywhere along the forward line as well as a striker. But which position is the most comfortable for you?
Tato: I just want to play. I can play anywhere as per the system that the manager will deploy. Tactics will decide my playing position as I can play on the left wing, as a number 10 and also as a striker.
You have some tough competition in the midfield department as you will be up against the likes of Lyngdoh, Lenny and Izumi. So what do you make of this challenge?
Pitu: It is a good thing that the team has such variety in midfield as all the players in the squad are strong competitors. This will ensure that the level of the team goes up which will improve the team. Having matches every 3-4 days will make sure that everyone will get a chance and I think I may be a perfect choice for the coach to be employed in a midfield role.
What are your expectations for the upcoming season?
Pitu: We have to qualify for the playoffs this season as the team has failed to do so on previous occasions. With this squad, I think we can go a long way.
Tato: Our aim will be to reach the semifinals and we will be working hard to give out fans happy moments in the coming season. Together with our fans, we can be an unstoppable force.
Along the lines of fantasy leagues all over the world, ISL will have its own fantasy league. Can you tell the virtual managers the reason why they should have you in their teams?
Pitu: I can be useful in your team as I like to give assists and will be in set piece duty for the team. I have scored many free kicks previously and will hope to do for Pune.
Tato: Keep the belief in me and I will score many goals for your team. This season our aim will be to score more goals than last season and you won't be disappointed in having both me and Pitu on your fantasy team.
You both played for Las Palmas during your long careers who are doing very well in the La Liga this time. What do you make of their early success?
Pitu: I am not at all surprised by their current results. They have some quality players in their squad and their manager plays a beautiful brand of football. Las Palmas is a traditional place where football runs in everyone's blood as every kid plays on the streets.
I was with the Canaries for just a season but all the memories have stayed with me and all in all, Las Palmas was a good experience for me.
Tato: Many players including their captain David Garcia are still in touch with me as recently we talked about their 2-2 draw with Real Madrid. Playing for the Canaries has been a privilege for me and the president of the club was very good to me and my wife. I'm still in touch with him and wish them all the best.
You both were a part of the famous Barcelona academy during their one of the best ever period. How much the upbringing at La Masia made a change in you?
Pitu: I lived at La Masia for 9 long years and staying at the academy has taught me so many things that are beyond explaining. There is no doubt that the Barca academy is the best in the world as it teaches you teamwork, hard work and technique and because of this upbringing, made me a better player.
Tato: I joined the academy as a 13-year-old and left when I was 20. So I became a man at Barcelona as the club taught me many invaluable things. Along with football, the education that we received was also brilliant.
Footballing concepts still haven't changed at the club as Luis Enrique is following the same methods applied by the great Johan Cryuff. The U13 teams play the same as the first team in what is the best quality at La Masia.
