Ayantan Chowdhury By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: A lot was expected from FC Pune City this Indian Super League season. However, as fate would have it, the team coached by Antonio Habas failed to make the knockout stages. Nonetheless, there have been a few bright sparks, none brighter than Mexican forward Anibal Zurdo Rodriguez.



Anibal, who also holds a Spanish passport, is the top-scorer for Pune with five goals. He is currently second on the scorers list, behind Marcelinho of Delhi Dynamos (8). He shares second spot with Diego Forlan. Illustrious company indeed!



Most players will agree that scoring or playing well for a winning team, or a team in form, is easier than doing so for a team not in the best of shape. But Anibal has been doing it for the Pune franchise from Day 1, despite mixed results. “As a team, we’ve not played to our potential. We know we’ve the talent, but we couldn’t translate that on-field. On a personal level, I’m happy with my performances. My job was to score goals and I’m pleased to help my team.



“I’d done my homework before coming here by looking at match videos. The aim for me, as well as the team, was to reach the knockouts. We’re disappointed to say the least, but ahead of our last game against Atletico de Kolkata, we hope to give our fans back home something to cheer about,” the 33-year-old told Express.

Following the 1-1 result between Kolkata and Kerala Blasters, Pune (15 points from 13 games) got knocked out. Incidentally, he had scored in the reverse fixture in November to help his side claim all three points.



The Atletico Madrid youth product has spent most of his professional career in Spain, and says ISL is popular among players there, since many Spaniards ply their trade here. That’s how he got to know of the opportunity.

“Many players called me and spoke about the game in India. I was intrigued. Then one day, Habas called me and said Pune would like me to sign. I was apprehensive initially; moving for three months is not easy. However, he guaranteed that I’d get game time, and that I’d play a pivotal role. So I packed my bags and came over,” Anibal, who considers Colombian hitman Falcao to be his inspiration, revealed.



He has been pleasantly surprised with the talent of Indian players, and feels they should try playing abroad to improve even further. “I feel they’re technically good. Tactically, they lag behind, as the European game is about tactical discipline. I’m sure they can do well if given a chance.”



The striker, who has over 100 goals in Spain’s Segunda Division, has been impressed with fellow Pune player Rahul Bheke and Kerala defender Sandesh Jhinghan, and he tipped both for future success.



The question on everyone’s mind is the state of the ISL, and how the league structure can be improved to benefit Indian football. Anibal also had his say on the matter. “Playing matches in such a short span is not good. Injuries are bound to occur and with all that travelling, fatigue sets in, and all this contributes to a drab game. The league should definitely be over 7 months, otherwise there’s no point. The breaks between games should increase,” he signed off.

ayantan@newindianexpress.com