LaLiga World: Girona FC to 'play with respect' against Kerala Blasters

The LaLiga World lived up to its promise of giving Indian audience a chance to see top international teams first-hand, in its opening match on July 24. It may have been a little more than what the home fans wished to see, as Australian side Melbourne City FC decimated the hosts Kerala Blasters 6-0. The third team in the tournament, Spain's Girona FC, arrived in Kochi, ahead of their match against the Australians on July 27.

Melbourne City, though confident on the back of their clinical performance against the Kerala Blasters, know that Girona—a partner club coming under the umbrella of the City Football Group (read Manchester City)—will be a different animal altogether. The Catalan side finished a creditable tenth in their debut in the Spanish top flight last season.

Melbourne City manager Warren Joyce says: "Girona are a strong side. LaLiga is very competitive and for them to finish tenth last year shows they have some real quality." This season, Girona will take to the field under a new manager—former Barcelona midfielder Eusebio Sacristan—after their previous manager was appointed by Sevilla FC.

Girona began their pre-season two weeks ago and were training at Manchester City's facility in England when the tournament commenced in India. They will play their second and the tournament's third and final match against the Kerala Blasters on July 28. Amid the tight schedule, and a lot of sleeping to overcome the jet lag, three players of Girona's starting XI spoke to THE WEEK from their hotel in Kochi. Excerpts:

BERNARDO ESPINOSA, 29, defender, Colombia

Former clubs: Sevilla, Sporting Gijon, Middlesbrough

How has the pre-season been so far?

It has been only two weeks since we started. We have a new coach. New players. It has been a very good two weeks, getting to know the new methods, the new style, and getting fit back again after the holidays. So, it has been an excellent two weeks. We have had a good few days in Manchester. Excellent place, excellent facilities. So far so good.

What is the major difference from last year?

It is very different from last year. Because last year was the first year after promotion. Everyone was still thinking how the team was going to do in the first division—LaLiga. After an excellent year, an excellent final position, the expectations increase for this new season. All the teams already know how Girona plays. It is going to be a bit more complicated in terms of competition. We still have the same objective as last year, which is going to be staying in the highest league in our country.

After playing in Colombia at the sub-junior level, you have played in Spain and England. How do the two leagues compare?

I consider the Spanish LaLiga and the English Premier League to be the two best leagues in the world—in terms of infrastructure, the clubs, the quality of the players. The football is very different. Perhaps England is physically the toughest. The game is more physical, faster, there are lot of quality players. However, in LaLiga, you find a bit more of tactical football. More technical. You find the teams go further in European tournaments. Which means the level of the teams is very high. I think those two leagues are the best ones.

What do you feel about Colombia's World Cup performance this time and and the current national team?

Every time Colombia is in the World Cup, it is an excellent step for Colombian football. Back in the days where it was hard for us to qualify, being in the World Cup was a very good objective. That was accomplished. However, in the last eight to ten years, Colombia has established itself as a reference in international football. I think the level is going up every year and there is a lot of international Colombian players playing in the best leagues, in the best teams in the world. And that is bringing our level up. I think it [the national team] is consolidating as one of the teams to do well in the World Cup. Even if we didn't do as good this time as in Brazil, I think Colombia always shows a very good level in international football. I hope we continue growing and give good players to the best teams in the world.

What do you know about Indian football and the ISL?

When I learnt that we were coming to India, I read a bit about where we were going. I read a bit about the Indian Super League, how it has grown in the past four years. I think it [the ISL] is an excellent opportunity to promote Indian football. We have begun to hear about Indian football only recently. I think it is a great opportunity to promote this sport here, where it is not the principal sport. I think this pre-season tournament is a great opportunity to see how football has reached other places in the world. To compete against a different type of football in a different place in front of different crowds. And to share this passion for the sport.

ALEIX GARCIA, 21, midfielder, Spain (on loan to Girona FC from Manchester City)

Former clubs: Villarreal

You came in from Manchester only today. Do you feel arriving so late would make it difficult for you?

It is only a few hours ahead of Spain [3.5 hours]. So, it is not too difficult to acclimatise.

Melbourne City beat Kerala Blasters 6-0. How many goals do you think you can score against the Blasters, the weakest team in this tournament?

I know that Melbourne is a good team. A Manchester City [City Football Group] team. I know some of their players. We will go out to enjoy against Kerala Blasters. We will play with respect. We will try to score as many goals as possible, but always with respect. And enjoy it with them. Because for the Kerala Blasters, playing against us is a big game.

Can you describe your experience of moving from Villarreal to Manchester City?

It was a very big change. Not too much time with my family. The beginning was a little bit hard. But at the end, I was very happy.

Your favourite player at Manchester City?

They have many good players. But David Silva is one of the best players I have seen. Sergio Aguero as well.

Players you idolised growing up?

As a kid, I always saw Ronaldinho's game. He was my favourite player. My idol. But Xavi plays in my position. Pirlo also. Players like them that play in my position.

What do you know about the Kerala Blasters fans?

I have heard that Kerala Blasters have the best fans in India. I just want to say to Kerala Blasters fans to come to the stadium for the games. Because we will give them good games. We want to live this football, to hear these fans. Fans are a big part of a team.

MARC MUNIESA, 26, defender, Spain

Former clubs: Barcelona, Stoke City

You and Bernardo were both part of the starting line-up that beat Real Madrid. Your thoughts on that historic win.

Last season we played a very good game against Real Madrid. It was important for us because we didn't have too many points then. It was great for our confidence. After that game, we played better against the other teams. And we believed we could play well against the big teams.

How has your experience in the English Premier League helped you to become better?

The Premier League has made me stronger and more experienced. At 26, I am still young, but I am a mature player.

Favourite player?

When I was young, I had the luck to play with Carles Puyol. He is my idol.

What do you feel about this pre-season tournament?

For us it is very important. We have to win this tournament. We arrived this morning. So, we are a little bit tired with jet lag. But this is about football. We will try to do our best against Melbourne City. And against Kerala Blasters as well.

What do you know about Kerala Blasters?

We know that they are one of the biggest teams in India. They have a very big crowd—almost 50,000 supporters per game. So, this is incredible. Because in Girona, we have like 13,000. So, it is a massive support and I think it will be good if we see the full stadium on Saturday.

What do you think about the first game's result?

First we have to face Melbourne City to see how our level is against them because we have never played against an Australian team. Against Kerala Blasters, we will play with respect. But we will try to win and if we are winning, we will try to score as many goals as possible. Because that is the best way to respect the opponents.