'It doesn't help to get stuck in negativity'

On the field

Albert Roca has taken over from Ashley Westwood as new head coach of Bengaluru Football Club (BFC).  The Spaniard has been playing football for as long as he can remember.

Although he picked up the first lessons of the game from his father, over a period of time he developed his own style.

Albert has played for Spanish clubs Real Zaragoza and CE Sabadell FC and as a coach, he has trained some of the top footballers across the globe. However, Albert says that he has just started. He hopes to spot new talent and train more youngsters because he believes that football is for everybody. In an interview with Nina C George, Albert talks about his journey so far.

First impression about BFC...

I was surprised by the professionalism of every member of the club. They not only share a good rapport with each other but also think on the same wavelength. None of the teammates try to get ahead of the other. They  move forward together and that’s  a good sign.

What does football mean to you?

You need to have a proper attitude and stay ambitious to play football. The idea is to develop a certain skill and style. Football is an art and one has to focus on improving and upgrading one’s skills all the time.   

You were head coach of El Salvador national team. How was your experience?

Training the team members of El Salvador was quite a challenge. The one thing that I learnt during my stint there was that good players will always remain good but those who have immense potential to reach the top must not be left out. I trained with all kinds of players. My idea was to take everybody forward.

What does it take to be a good footballer?

A positive spirit, patience and loads of common sense.   

How do you stay positive?

It’s hard sometimes but when you love what you do and believe in yourself then nothing is impossible. I’ve had my share of ups and downs but I’ve always brushed that aside and moved on. It doesn’t help to get stuck in negativity.

Your thoughts on Bengaluru?

 I have read and heard a great deal about Bengaluru before coming here and I always  wanted to come and visit the city as a tourist. But now that I’ve got a job here, I hope to take time off to simply walk on the streets just to get a feel of the culture, food habits and ethos of the place.

What do you do when you are off the court?

I love travelling. My work has taken me across the globe but that’s work-related travels. I like exploring new places and meeting new people.